Yes, eyes can get sunburnt, a condition medically known as photokeratitis. This temporary and painful eye damage occurs from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. It is often compared to a sunburn on the skin, but it affects the delicate front surface of the eye. While usually resolving on its own, it can cause significant discomfort.
How Eyes Get Sunburnt
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary cause of eye sunburn. The sun emits different types of UV rays, with UVA and UVB rays being the main culprits that can harm the eyes. UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the eye, potentially damaging the retina, while UVB rays primarily affect the surface structures like the cornea and lens.
Eye sunburn can occur in various common situations. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours, is a significant risk. Reflected sunlight from surfaces such as snow, water, ice, sand, or cement can also deliver high doses of UV radiation to the eyes. Artificial sources like tanning beds, sunlamps, and welding arcs without proper eye protection also cause photokeratitis by directly exposing the cornea and conjunctiva to damaging UV radiation.
Recognizing Eye Sunburn
The signs and symptoms of photokeratitis often do not appear immediately after exposure. Symptoms often develop several hours later, typically within 30 minutes to 12 hours. Common indicators include pain, which can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. Many individuals report a gritty feeling, as if sand or a foreign object is in the eye.
Other frequent symptoms are excessive tearing, redness of the eyes, and heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. Blurred vision and swollen eyelids can also occur. Both eyes are often affected simultaneously. Headaches, seeing halos around lights, or constricted pupils are also possible, though temporary vision loss or changes in color vision are rare.
Treating Eye Sunburn
Alleviating discomfort and promoting healing are the main goals when treating eye sunburn. Individuals should move to a dark room immediately and remove contact lenses if worn, to prevent further irritation. It is important to avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen irritation.
Home remedies can provide relief, such as applying cold compresses over closed eyes and using over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate the eyes. Oral over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort. If pain is severe, symptoms worsen, or vision is significantly affected and does not improve within 48 hours, seeking professional medical attention is advised. A doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection or dilating eye drops to relax eye muscles and reduce pain.
Preventing Eye Sunburn
Implementing practical strategies is important to avoid eye sunburn. Wearing appropriate UV-protective eyewear is the most effective measure. Sunglasses should block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, often indicated by labels like “UV400” or “100% UV protection.” Wrap-around styles or those with side panels offer enhanced coverage.
It is important to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds. Protection is also necessary in winter, especially when near reflective surfaces like snow, which can reflect up to 88% of UV rays, or water and sand, which reflect 10-20%. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat provides an additional layer of protection by shielding the eyes from overhead sun. Avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, and never looking directly at the sun are also important.