Bozeman is surrounded by world-class skiing — and some of the harshest UV conditions your eyes will ever face. UV exposure increases roughly 4–5% with every 1,000 feet of elevation, and fresh snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays back at your face. On a bluebird day at Bridger Bowl or Big Sky, your eyes are getting hit from above and below.
Photokeratitis: a sunburn on your eye
Spend a day at altitude without proper eye protection and you can develop photokeratitis — "snow blindness." Symptoms show up hours later: pain, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and the feeling of sand in your eyes. It usually heals within a day or two, but it's miserable, and repeated UV exposure adds up over a lifetime, raising the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
What to wear on the mountain
Goggles or sunglasses rated 100% UVA/UVB — the lens tint is not what blocks UV; the coating is.
Polarized lenses cut glare off the snow, helping you read terrain.
Wraparound styles block wind and side exposure.
Prescription options: yes, you can get prescription ski goggles and glacier glasses — ask us.
Kids' eyes let in more UV than adult eyes, so goggles for young skiers aren't optional gear — they're protective equipment.
Want prescription sunglasses or goggle inserts before your next mountain day? Call Anderson Family Vision at (406) 587-8333.
