Is It Possible to Sunburn Your Eyes?

We often think of sunscreen when it comes to sun protection, but our eyes can suffer sunburn too. This condition, known as photokeratitis, occurs when your eyes are overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, whether from the sun or artificial sources. While the damage usually heals on its own, repeated exposure can lead to long-term complications.

What Are the Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes?

After spending hours in the sun without proper eye protection, you may begin to experience symptoms of photokeratitis. These symptoms typically appear a few hours after exposure and may include:

• Blurred vision

• A gritty feeling, like sand in your eye

• Eye twitching

• Halos or spots in your vision

• Headaches

• Burning or painful eyes

• Redness in and around the eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Smaller-than-normal pupils

• Swelling around the eyes

• Tearing

• In rare cases, temporary vision loss

These symptoms are similar to those of a regular skin sunburn but occur on the surface of the eye and surrounding tissues.

How Is an Eye Sunburn Treated?

The good news is that most cases of photokeratitis resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, you can find relief with a few simple remedies:

• Avoid bright lights, including sunlight.

• Apply a cool compress to your eyes.

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

• Moisturize your eyes with artificial tears.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult an eye care provider. In some cases, they may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection but never self-prescribe or use eye drops without medical advice.

Contact Lens Wearers: Special Precautions

If you wear contact lenses and suspect you have an eye sunburn, remove your contacts immediately. Refrain from wearing them again until your symptoms completely resolve. Contacts can further irritate sunburned eyes and slow the healing process.

When Are You Most at Risk for Sunburned Eyes?

Certain environments make photokeratitis more likely:

• Around Water: Water reflects UV rays, increasing exposure even if you're wearing sunscreen. Boating, swimming, and beach activities all elevate risk.

• In the Mountains: High altitudes offer less atmospheric protection from UV rays. Snow reflection makes skiing or snowboarding particularly hazardous for your eyes.

• Artificial UV Exposure: Tanning beds, welding equipment, and certain medical lasers can also cause eye sunburn if proper protection isn't used.

How to Protect Your Eyes

The best defense against eye sunburn is proper eye protection. Consider the following steps:

• Wear sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection” or "UV 400," which block both UVA and UVB rays.

• Opt for wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays coming from the sides.

• In snowy environments, wear snow goggles with UV protection.

• Use polarized lenses to reduce glare, especially when around water or snow.

• Don’t forget children they need UV protection just as much as adults, year-round.

Interestingly, lens darkness isn’t an indicator of UV protection. Even lightly tinted lenses can offer full UV protection if labeled appropriately.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical attention if:

• Eye pain is severe or lasts more than two days.

• You experience significant vision changes or temporary vision loss.

• You’re unsure what type of protective eyewear you need for specific activities.

• You require prescription sunglasses.

Why Repeated Eye Sunburns Matter

While a single instance of photokeratitis typically heals, repeated damage can lead to more serious issues such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or even certain eye cancers. Protecting your eyes from UV rays isn’t just about comfort it’s a long-term investment in your vision health.

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