Sunscreen is an important defense against ultraviolet radiation, but accidentally getting it into the eyes can cause immediate, intense pain and discomfort. The stinging and burning sensation is alarming and often causes excessive tearing as the eye attempts to flush out the foreign substance. Knowing the correct response is the best way to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of further complications. While the incident is typically not serious, quick action makes a substantial difference in how quickly your eyes recover.
Immediate Steps for Flushing the Eye
The primary goal is to dilute and remove the sunscreen from the eye’s surface as quickly and thoroughly as possible. You must resist the urge to rub your eyes, as this action can spread the irritating chemicals and potentially scratch the corneal surface. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately before beginning the flushing process to prevent trapping the sunscreen beneath the lens.
The most effective method involves continuous rinsing with clean, lukewarm water or a sterile saline solution. Position your head so the affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye, which prevents the sunscreen from washing across and irritating the other eye. Gently hold your eyelid open to ensure the water reaches all parts of the eye and the conjunctival sac.
Continuously flush the eye for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to thoroughly wash away the oily sunscreen base and its irritating components. Blink gently and regularly during the rinsing process to encourage the eye’s natural tear production to help flush out any residual particles. After rinsing, preservative-free artificial tears can be used to soothe any residual dryness or minor irritation.
Why Sunscreen Causes Burning and Irritation
The intense sting experienced when sunscreen enters the eye is primarily due to the active ultraviolet (UV) filters in the formulation. Chemical sunscreens, which use synthetic molecules like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, are the most common cause of eye irritation. These ingredients absorb UV radiation, but they are also known irritants to the sensitive mucous membranes of the eye.
These chemical agents can easily migrate into the eyes through sweat, tears, or by touching the face. The delicate tear film is highly sensitive to the change in pH caused by these foreign chemical substances. Many sunscreens also contain fragrances or preservatives that act as additional irritants, worsening the burning sensation and redness.
Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are considered less irritating because they sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays. Although these physical blockers are gentler, the oily base and particles can still cause a gritty sensation and temporary discomfort if they enter the eye. The mechanical presence of any foreign substance can trigger the eye’s natural defense mechanism of stinging and excessive tearing.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Care
While thorough flushing resolves most instances of sunscreen irritation, certain persistent symptoms require prompt medical evaluation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Seek professional help if the burning, stinging, or redness persists for more than a few hours after the complete flushing protocol. Lingering discomfort can indicate a more significant issue, such as a minor chemical burn or abrasion on the corneal surface.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience any prolonged or worsening changes to your vision. This includes persistent blurred vision, double vision, or temporary loss of vision, which could signal more serious corneal involvement. Other concerning signs are severe sensitivity to light, a feeling that a foreign object is still lodged in the eye after rinsing, or signs of an infection. Symptoms of a potential infection include increasing pain, swelling of the eyelid, or a pus-like discharge.
Safe Sunscreen Application Techniques
Preventing sunscreen from entering the eyes is always preferable to treating the irritation afterward. When applying sunscreen to the face, avoid spraying directly; instead, apply the product to your hands first before gently patting it onto the skin. Stop application just short of the immediate eye contour area, blending the product outward from the cheeks and forehead.
Consider switching to a mineral-based formula or a sunscreen specifically labeled as “eye-safe” or “tear-free” for use around the eye area. Sunscreen stick formulations are helpful for the orbital bone area because they offer precise application and their thicker consistency is less likely to run or migrate with sweat. Allow facial sunscreen to dry for at least 15 minutes before engaging in activities that cause heavy sweating or swimming. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses provides a physical barrier that helps shield the eyes from both the sun’s rays and accidental run-off.