Snow goggles were especially important in the spring when the bright sun reflecting off snow and ice could cause snow-blindness. This is a painful inflammation of the eyes caused by over-exposure to the glare of the sun and resulting in temporary blindness accompanied by gritty sensations under the eyelids, excessive watering, and, in early stages, double vision.
Usually made of wood or antler, the goggles often have a projection over the brow to intercept light from above. The thin slits in the goggles have the same effect as stopping down a camera lens; the increased depth of field improves the ability of a near-sighted person to see for a distance.
Courtesy: National Museum of Man, National Museums of Canada (S80-574 and 575)
