Sunburns are an unwelcome reminder to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but did you know your eyes can suffer the same fate? That’s right, you can sunburn your eyes. This condition, known as photokeratitis, is more common than people might think, and it can seriously affect your eye health if left unchecked.
Whether you’re basking on the beach, skiing down a snowy slope, or enjoying a walk through a sunny park, protecting your eyes from UV damage is crucial. This often means keeping a pair of sunglasses on hand, but it’s not the only way to keep your eyes healthy and bright.
What Happens When You Sunburn Your Eyes?
Photokeratitis is the scientific name for sunburned eyes. It occurs when the cornea, the clear, outer layer of your eye, is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Much like how your skin reacts to sunburn, your eyes can become irritated and inflamed after excessive UV exposure.
Whether it’s a sunny day at the beach or a cloudy afternoon in the mountains, UV rays can reach your eyes through direct sunlight or reflections off surfaces such as:
- Water at the beach, lake, or pool
- Snow-covered landscapes
- High-altitude environments where UV rays are more intense
- Tanning beds or welding equipment
The symptoms of photokeratitis don’t generally show up immediately. You could enjoy a day out, completely unaware of the damage, and only later experience the consequences.
Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes
If you’ve spent time outdoors and notice discomfort in your eyes, you might be dealing with photokeratitis. Symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to extremely painful and tend to affect both eyes. Watch out for:
- A gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Watery eyes or excessive tearing
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light (also known as photophobia)
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Eye pain or headaches
- Seeing halos or glare around light sources
Severe cases might bring temporary vision distortion or make it hard to open your eyes in bright light. The symptoms usually subside within 24 to 48 hours, but continued exposure can lead to long-term damage.
Why Protecting Your Vision From UV Damage Matters
While a single encounter with photokeratitis generally heals without permanent damage, repeated UV exposure to your eyes can result in serious complications, such as:
- Cataracts: Prolonged UV exposure can lead to clouding in the eye’s natural lens. This common condition may require surgery to restore clarity of vision.
- Macular degeneration: UV damage to the retina, particularly over many years, can impact central vision as we age.
- Pterygium: Commonly known as “surfer’s eye,” this growth starts on the white of the eye and may extend to the cornea, affecting vision.
- Eyelid cancers: The thin, delicate skin around the eyes is highly vulnerable to UV damage, increasing the risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and even melanoma.
UV protection is about more than creating short-term comfort for your eyes. It’s how you maintain lifelong eye health.
Children’s eyes are especially sensitive to UV rays, and they often spend more time outside, making protection even more critical. Their ocular lenses are also less developed, allowing more UV light to reach the retina. Ensuring that children wear proper sunglasses and hats not only helps prevent immediate issues, but also build healthy habits for life.
What Can You Do If You Burn Your Eyes?
Accidents happen. If you suspect that you have photokeratitis, these steps can help soothe your eyes:
- Get out of the sun immediately and rest in a dark, cool place.
- Remove any contact lenses to avoid further irritation.
- Use over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to ease dryness.
- Place a cool, damp cloth over your closed eyes for relief.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent exacerbating the irritation.
Most symptoms improve significantly in 24 to 48 hours, but if the discomfort persists or worsens, a trip to your eye doctor is essential.
When Should You Seek Professional Care?
While mild cases of photokeratitis generally heal on their own, more serious symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Contact an eye care professional if:
- Symptoms persist beyond 2 days
- You experience severe pain or noticeable vision changes
- Halos, blurry vision, or sensitivity to glare become problematic
- Shadowy spots or difficulty seeing at night impact your daily activities
The above symptoms can signify deeper, long-term damage that requires immediate treatment.
Keeping Your Eyes Safe in the Sun
Preventive care goes a long way in safeguarding your eye health. Here are some strategies for protecting your family’s eyes from harmful UV rays:
- Wear sunglasses: Look for labels that say your sunglasses have 100% UV protection. Wrap-around frames offer enhanced protection from all angles.
- Pair sunglasses with hats: A wide-brimmed hat can further shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight.
- Mind the time of day: While daylight changes throughout the year, avoid exposure during peak UV hours, typically from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the summer. This goes double for high UV zones like beaches or snowy areas.
- Remember cloudy days count too: UV rays can penetrate haze and overcast skies, so don’t skip protection just because it isn’t sunny.
- Apply SPF around your eyes: Use sunscreen on the skin around your eyelids, but avoid the lash line to prevent irritation or harm to your eyes.
There Are Sunny Days Ahead
Protecting your sight protects your quality of life. Safeguarding your eyes against UV damage today helps prevent significant health complications down the road. Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked vacation or a snowy adventure, make eye care a part of your preparation.
If you notice any signs of sun damage or want expert advice on protective eyewear, Mint Eyecare is here for you. Book an appointment with us today and take a proactive step toward preserving your vision for years to come!
