Yes, you can sunburn your eyes. The medical term for this condition is photokeratitis, essentially a sunburn on the eye’s surface. This painful condition results from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While often temporary, it causes significant discomfort and impacts vision, highlighting the importance of eye protection.
What is Ocular Sunburn?
Ocular sunburn, or photokeratitis, occurs when eyes are exposed to harmful levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This overexposure damages the outer layers of cells on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, and the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the whites of the eyes and inner eyelids. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause this damage, with UVB rays primarily affecting the eye’s surface.
Common sources of UV light include direct sunlight and reflections from surfaces like snow, water, sand, or cement. Snow blindness is a specific type of photokeratitis caused by UV rays reflecting off snow or ice, especially at high altitudes. Artificial sources like tanning beds, welding arcs, and certain lamps (e.g., mercury vapor, halogen) can also emit enough UV radiation to cause this condition.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of sunburned eyes often appear several hours after exposure, typically within 6 to 12 hours, sometimes as early as 30 minutes. Individuals commonly experience pain, a gritty sensation as if sand is in the eye, and noticeable redness. Light sensitivity, medically known as photophobia, is also a frequent symptom, making bright environments uncomfortable.
Other signs include watery eyes, blurred vision, and swelling of the eyelids. Some may also notice eyelid twitching or a temporary halo effect around lights. The severity of these symptoms depends on the duration and intensity of UV exposure.
Treating Sunburned Eyes
Managing sunburned eyes involves reducing discomfort as eyes heal, which typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours. Moving indoors and resting in a darkened room upon symptom onset can help. Applying a cool compress or cold washcloth over closed eyes can alleviate pain and swelling.
Using artificial tears can lubricate eyes and reduce the gritty sensation. Avoid rubbing eyes, as this can worsen irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort. If symptoms are severe, persist beyond 48 hours, or if vision is significantly impaired, seek professional medical attention.
Protecting Your Eyes from UV
Protecting eyes from UV radiation is important to prevent photokeratitis and other long-term eye problems. Proper UV-protective eyewear is the most effective preventative measure. Sunglasses should block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays, often labeled “UV400 protection,” meaning they block wavelengths up to 400 nanometers for comprehensive protection.
Lens darkness doesn’t indicate UV protection; clear lenses can offer full UV protection if treated. Wrap-around styles or side panels prevent UV entry from the sides. A wide-brimmed hat with sunglasses provides extra shade, reducing eye UV exposure by up to 50%.
Protection is important in environments with high UV reflection, such as snow, water, and sand. Ski goggles with UV protection are important for snowy conditions. For occupations involving intense artificial UV sources like welding, specialized helmets or goggles meeting safety standards (e.g., ANSI Z87.1) protect against harmful radiation.