Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned? Spotting the Symptoms of Photokeratitis This Summer

Most people remember sunscreen before spending a summer day outside, but eye protection can be just as important. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition often described as a sunburn on the eyes. Knowing the warning signs can help you respond quickly and protect your vision during outdoor activities.

What Is Photokeratitis?

Photokeratitis occurs when ultraviolet rays damage the cornea and conjunctiva at the front of the eye. It often affects both eyes and can result from direct sunlight or sunlight reflected from water, sand, pavement, ice, or other bright surfaces. Boating, swimming, hiking, attending outdoor events, and spending long hours at the beach can increase exposure during summer.

Unlike a sunburn on the skin, the effects may not be noticeable immediately. Symptoms can develop several hours after UV exposure, which may make it difficult to connect the discomfort to time spent outdoors.

Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes

Photokeratitis symptoms vary depending on the length and intensity of UV exposure. Common signs include:
 

•          Eye pain, burning, or redness
 

•          Excessive tearing or watery eyes
 

•          Blurry or hazy vision
 

•          Sensitivity to light
 

•          A gritty feeling in the eyes
 

•          Swollen eyelids, headaches, or halos around lights

Symptoms generally improve within a few hours to a couple of days, but more intense exposure may cause greater discomfort. Rarely, photokeratitis can lead to temporary vision loss or changes in color vision.

What Should You Do if Your Eyes Feel Sunburned?

Move indoors and rest your eyes in a dimly lit room. Remove your contact lenses and avoid rubbing your eyes, since friction may worsen irritation. A cool compress placed over closed eyelids may provide comfort, and artificial tears may help lubricate the eye surface.

Eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity can also be caused by infections, corneal injuries, dry eye, or other conditions. An eye examination may be necessary to confirm the cause. Contact an eye doctor promptly if you experience severe pain, noticeable vision loss, symptoms that continue for more than two days, or discomfort that becomes worse instead of improving.

How to Prevent Photokeratitis

Choosing the right sunglasses is an important part of protecting your eyes from harmful UV exposure. Look for lenses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, even for cloudy days. Wraparound frames can offer added coverage by limiting sunlight from reaching the eyes from the sides.

Different lens options can also improve comfort and visual clarity. Polarized lenses help reduce glare from water, pavement, and other reflective surfaces, while photochromic lenses automatically darken outdoors. Prescription sunglasses are another option for patients who need clear vision and reliable sun protection.

A comprehensive eye exam can help determine which sunglasses and lens features best match your prescription, lifestyle, and eye health needs. Regular exams also allow our eye doctor to check for early changes that may affect vision and recommend the most appropriate protection for adults and children.

Protect Your Eyes From Summer UV Exposure

Schedule a comprehensive eye examination with Polaris Eye Care to protect your vision and explore sunglasses and lens options suited to your prescription, lifestyle, and eye health needs. Visit our office in Columbus, OH, or call (380) 333-4588 to book an appointment.