[pct-l] Regarding Sunglasses and Contacts

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

The retinas of your unprotected eyes can be easily burned by ultraviolet 
light, whether bouncing off snow, water, or granite surfaces, or directly 
from the sun, hidden behind clouds or not.

The intensity of the light at average trail elevations in the Sierra is 50% 
stronger than at sea level.

I have burned my eyes twice, once badly on snow in Desolation Wilderness in 
early June of 1974 and mildly another time, I don't recall when. Eyes adjust 
to the brightness and you'll think nothing of it, but depending on the 
elevation, how exposed you are, and the amount of additional reflected 
light, the painful condition called "snow blindness" can occur. Some people 
are more resistant, so know yourself.  Carry and use your glasses when these 
elevation, exposure, and light amounts exist. Pay attention and think ahead. 
It is easy to be distracted and not notice.

Signs and Symptoms I've noticed:
    Notably, the burning of the eyes when closed for a little while. So, 
during the day check yourselves; close your eyes periodically for long 
enough to feel anything. Preferably, wear your glasses. At night your eyes 
may secrete an "ooze," for lack of the medical term, as a result of the burn 
while you sleep. In the morning you may not be able to open your eyes until 
you pick your lashes clean and then they may still burn for a while. I 
experienced no permanent damage to my vision, though I now wear contacts 
(unknown correlation, if any).

Glasses Selection:
    You want to obtain maximum coverage with adequate ventilation to prevent 
fogging. Lens fogging can also be minimized by keeping the lenses clean with 
an anti-fog wipe. Glasses that "wrap around" or have removable side shields 
are best. 95 to 100% UV protection and a general dark color (yellow helps 
lighten things when in the shade or under clouds). If you can see your eyes 
through your lenses in the mirror, then they will not be sufficient. I 
really like mine for one other quality, their slight mirrored surface 
(allows me a mirror to use when applying sunscreen!)

Contacts:
    Just a brief mention. The soft, daily wear variety works great for me. 
Simply wash your hands before handling as best you can in the morning and at 
night and soak them overnight and you will do well. Carry extras to replace 
those lost or ripped or otherwise damaged along the way. Yes, carry saline 
solution, but the small bottles are sufficient. The solution can freeze over 
night, so put your case in your sleeping bag. Carry your prescription 
glasses, also-just in case your eyes get tired, sunscreen gets on your 
contacts, or something else happens.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott" <xanthocephalus at yahoo.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:18 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Wrap-around shades?


> I'm just wondering what kind of sunglasses to bring on my thru-hike this
> year.  Do I need wrap-around shades for the Sierras, or will my regular
> sunglasses (which have pretty big lenses but nothing on the sides) 
> suffice?
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus 
> signature database 3766 (20090114) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>
> http://www.eset.com
>
>
>