Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays

Your Eyes Need Sun Protection Too—Here’s Why!

We all understand the importance of shielding our skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. During summer, we apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. But did you know that your eyes are just as vulnerable to UV exposure?

Excessive sun exposure can lead to a painful condition called photokeratitis. I n plain terms, it’s a sunburn on your eyes. This occurs when UV rays damage the cornea and cause inflammation. Additionally, the conjunctiva—a thin layer of tissue covering the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids—can also suffer temporary damage.

While photokeratitis is often temporary, repeated UV exposure can contribute to long-term eye health issues, including cataracts and macular degeneration. To protect your vision, always wear UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats when spending time outdoors.

Your eyes deserve the same level of care and protection as your skin. Here’s a detailed look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments of sunburned eyes.

Causes of Sunburned Eyes:

Usually, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays causes sunburned eyes. UV rays from the sun can cause short-term and long-term damage to human eyes. These are some common causes for photokeratitis:

• Surface Reflection: sunlight reflected off snow, water, sand or cement.
• Tanning Beds: Lamps inside the tanning bed or booth emit intense UV rays.
• Arc Welders: Equipment used for welding metal can emit UV rays. Looking at it for a long time without protection can cause damage to the eyes.
• Solar Eclipse: Looking at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye gear can damage the eyes.

Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes

Photokeratitis is uncomfortable and can be painful, depending on the severity of sun exposure. UV rays damage many parts of the eye, including the conjunctiva, retina, lens and cornea.

Common symptoms of sunburned eyes:

• Feeling like you have sand in your eyes
• Eye pain or headache
• Swelling of the eyes
• Redness in the eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Twitching eyelid
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Blurry vision or seeing halos
• Constricted pupils
• Temporary vision loss

What to do for Sunburned Eyes:

Generally, sunburned eyes heal within one or two days. The treatment involves reducing the symptoms and offering relief from the discomfort while natural healing occurs. If you think your eyes are sunburned, try some of these methods:

• Do not rub your eyes
• Use a cool compress to relieve irritation
• If you are in pain, try over-the-counter pain medication
• Wear sunglasses until your eyes are completely healed
• Do not use eye makeup while your eyes are healing
• Use eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated
• Remove contact lenses and use glasses
• Do not go swimming

After a few days of home treatment, it is recommended to see an eye doctor if your eyes don’t heal by themselves. They can prescribe the best solution to your condition. A specialist, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, can prescribe the correct medication to help heal your eyes.

Sunburned eyes typically heal on their own, but the symptoms can be uncomfortable and even painful. That’s why protecting your eyes from the sun is crucial. This summer, make sure to shield your eyes with 100% UV-blocking sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat whenever you’re outdoors.