Photokeratitis occurs when the cornea becomes inflamed due to excessive ultraviolet (UV) rays. This temporary yet often painful condition is akin to a sunburn on the skin, but it affects the delicate tissues of the eye instead. It can result from various sources of intense UV light.
Recognizing Eye Sunburn: Symptoms and Causes
Eye sunburn symptoms often manifest several hours after UV exposure, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 12 hours later. Individuals might experience a gritty sensation, alongside pain, redness, and excessive tearing. Other common indicators include heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, blurry vision, swelling around the eyelids, and sometimes even eyelid twitching.
This condition arises from direct exposure to strong UV light, such as during peak sun hours, or from reflected sunlight off highly reflective surfaces. Snow, water, sand, and even concrete can reflect significant amounts of UV radiation, increasing the risk, which is why it’s often seen in skiers (“snow blindness”) or beachgoers. Artificial UV sources are also common culprits, including light from welding arcs (often called “welder’s flash”), tanning beds, and certain high-intensity artificial lamps.
How Long Eye Sunburn Lasts and What to Expect
Photokeratitis is a temporary condition, with symptoms typically resolving within 24 to 72 hours. The duration of symptoms can depend on the severity and length of the initial UV exposure, with more intense or prolonged exposure leading to more severe and potentially longer-lasting discomfort. The eye’s natural healing processes allow for a full recovery.
Discomfort from eye sunburn usually peaks within 6 to 12 hours after the initial exposure. Following this peak, symptoms gradually subside as the cornea begins to heal itself. During the recovery period, individuals may continue to experience some light sensitivity and mild discomfort, but there should be a noticeable reduction in pain and irritation over time.
While acute photokeratitis is painful, it usually does not result in permanent vision damage. The corneal cells typically regenerate, and the eye returns to its normal state. However, repeated or chronic exposure to UV radiation without protection can lead to more serious long-term eye conditions, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
Treating Eye Sunburn and Seeking Medical Help
To alleviate eye sunburn symptoms at home: Resting your eyes in a darkened room helps reduce discomfort, especially light sensitivity. Applying cool, damp compresses over closed eyelids can also help soothe irritation and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can assist with pain and headaches.
Using artificial tears can keep the eyes hydrated and ease the gritty sensation. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately to allow the eyes to heal. Limiting screen time and avoiding prolonged exposure to bright lights during recovery is also advisable.
Seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms worsen, persist beyond 72 hours, or if you experience severe pain, changes in vision, or signs of infection like pus or increasing redness. A healthcare provider can assess the extent of the damage and may prescribe medicated eye drops, such as antibiotics, to prevent or treat potential infections.
Preventing Eye Sunburn
Preventing eye sunburn primarily involves protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays is highly effective. Look for labels indicating “UV400 protection” or “100% UV absorption” to ensure adequate coverage. Wrap-around styles offer additional protection by blocking light that might enter from the sides.
For specific high-risk activities, specialized protective eyewear is necessary. This includes welding helmets for those working with welding arcs and ski goggles for snow sports, which provide comprehensive UV protection. Being aware of environments with high UV reflection, such as snow-covered landscapes, bodies of water, or sandy beaches, is important, as these surfaces can amplify UV exposure. Limiting direct sun exposure during peak UV hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., can further reduce the risk of eye sunburn.