You can get what is commonly described as a sunburn in your eyes. This painful condition occurs when the eye’s outer layers are exposed to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, similar to how skin is damaged by the sun. The medical term for this temporary injury is photokeratitis, which affects the surface of the eye. Although usually not permanent, it causes significant discomfort and can temporarily affect your vision.
The Mechanism of Eye Damage
Photokeratitis damages the thin, transparent layers at the front of the eye. Ultraviolet light specifically burns the epithelial layer of the cornea, the clear dome covering the iris and pupil. UV radiation also affects the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. UV-B rays are particularly known for causing this immediate, acute damage to the corneal surface.
This damage is caused by high-intensity UV exposure from both natural and artificial sources. Natural sources include the reflection of sunlight off highly reflective surfaces like snow (“snow blindness”), water, sand, and concrete. Artificial sources frequently causing photokeratitis include welding arcs (“arc eye” or “welder’s flash”) and the lamps in tanning beds.
Recognizing the Signs
A key feature of photokeratitis is the delayed onset of symptoms, which typically appear 6 to 12 hours after UV exposure. This delay means a person may not realize they have sustained an eye burn until the evening or the next morning.
The most common symptom is intense eye pain, often accompanied by a burning sensation. Many people report a feeling like sand or a foreign body scratching the eye. Other symptoms include extreme redness, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and extreme light sensitivity (photophobia).
Immediate Care and Recovery
If you suspect photokeratitis, immediately get indoors and avoid further light exposure. If you wear contact lenses, remove them and avoid wearing them until your eyes have fully healed. Rest your eyes as much as possible by closing them or staying in a dark room.
To manage discomfort, apply a clean, cool compress or washcloth over your closed eyelids. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help reduce the pain. Do not rub your eyes, as this can irritate the damaged corneal surface and delay healing. Most cases heal on their own within 24 to 48 hours, but seek professional medical attention if symptoms are severe, include significant vision loss, or do not improve within 48 hours.
Protecting Your Vision
Prevent photokeratitis by using proper eye protection against UV radiation. When purchasing sunglasses, choose lenses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a label stating “UV400” or “100% UV protection” to ensure adequate screening. The color or darkness of the lens does not indicate its UV protection level, so reliance on the labeled protection rating is necessary.
For activities in highly reflective environments, such as skiing or boating, wraparound sunglasses or goggles offer superior protection. This style prevents UV light from entering through the sides, top, or bottom, which is a common problem with traditional frames. Adding a wide-brimmed hat is also helpful, as it can reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the eyes by an additional 50%. These protective steps are necessary even on cloudy days, since UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.