Protect Your Eyes: How to Prevent and Treat Sunburned Eyes
Most people know that too much sun exposure can cause skin damage, but did you know your eyes can get sunburned too? This painful condition, known as photokeratitis, happens when the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) gets inflamed due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Just like a sunburn on your skin, photokeratitis can be uncomfortable, irritating, and, in some cases, temporarily impair your vision. The good news is that it can be prevented with the right precautions!
What Causes Sunburned Eyes?
Your eyes are naturally designed to filter out some light, but they aren’t built to handle intense, prolonged exposure to UV rays. You can get photokeratitis in several ways, including:
- Direct exposure to UV rays from the sun, especially during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
- Reflected sunlight from surfaces like snow, ice, sand, water, and even buildings, cars, and pavement. This is why skiers, beachgoers, and boaters are more prone to sunburned eyes.
- Artificial UV sources such as tanning beds or welding torches. Welders, in particular, need proper eye protection to avoid a painful condition called “arc eye” or “welder’s flash.”
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, meaning your eyes can still be at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Photokeratitis
Photokeratitis can affect one or both eyes and usually develops within a few hours of UV exposure. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how long your eyes were exposed.
Common symptoms include:
- Red, bloodshot eyes
- Pain or irritation in the eyes
- Swelling around the eyelids
- Watery or excessive tearing
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Headaches or eye strain
- A gritty, burning sensation (like having sand in your eyes)
- Eyelid twitching
The longer your eyes are exposed to UV rays, the worse your symptoms will be. In extreme cases, photokeratitis can make it difficult to open your eyes or see clearly. If this happens, contact your optometrist immediately for an eye exam.
How to Treat Sunburned Eyes
Most cases of photokeratitis resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours, but you can take steps to speed up the healing process and relieve discomfort.
What to Do:
- Get out of the sun. Move to a dark room or wear sunglasses indoors if your eyes feel extremely sensitive.
- Use cold compresses. Apply a cool, damp washcloth over your closed eyes to reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and headaches.
- Use lubricating eye drops. Artificial tears can keep your eyes hydrated and ease discomfort.
- Rest your eyes. Limit screen time and avoid bright lights while your eyes heal.
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t rub or scratch your eyes. This can make the irritation worse and delay healing.
- Don’t wear contact lenses. Give your eyes a break from contacts until the irritation has completely subsided.
- Avoid eye makeup and false eyelashes. These can further irritate your eyes and introduce bacteria.
- Stay away from chlorinated pools and saltwater. Swimming can make symptoms worse and prolong healing.
Long-Term Risks of UV Exposure
Although photokeratitis is a temporary condition, repeated exposure to UV rays without proper protection can lead to serious long-term eye problems, including:
- Cataracts – UV exposure can speed up the development of cataracts, leading to clouded vision.
- Macular degeneration – Damage to the retina can cause permanent vision loss over time.
- Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye) – A growth on the eye’s surface that can affect vision.
- Eyelid cancer – UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer around the delicate eye area.
How to Prevent Sunburned Eyes
The best way to protect your eyes from photokeratitis is to take precautions when spending time outdoors, no matter the season.
Invest in Quality Sunglasses
- Look for 100% UV-blocking sunglasses that shield against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wraparound frames provide extra protection by blocking light from the sides.
- Even if it’s cloudy, wear sunglasses when spending extended time outdoors.
Wear a Hat
- A wide-brimmed hat can help reduce UV exposure to your eyes by up to 50%.
Use Protective Eyewear for Outdoor Activities
- Skiers, hikers, and beachgoers should wear polarized goggles or sunglasses to reduce glare from snow, sand, and water.
- Welders and tanning bed users should always wear protective eye gear to prevent UV exposure.
Be Mindful of Reflection
- Water, snow, and light-colored surfaces can increase UV exposure. Take extra precautions when near these surfaces.
Comprehensive Eye Care in Edmonton
If you’ve experienced sunburned eyes or want to protect your vision, visit Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. We offer comprehensive eye exams, high-quality sunglasses, and expert advice to help keep your eyes healthy.
Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Edmonton, Leduc, or Westlock.
