Medically reviewed by Dr. Danielle Campbell
From the FYidoctors - Comox Valley
Eye Sunburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Eye sunburn, or photokeratitis, is like a sunburn but for your eyes, caused by overexposure to UV rays. This unpleasant condition can make your eyes feel gritty, cause pain, redness, light sensitivity, and even temporary vision changes. It's often triggered by UV light from the sun, reflecting off snow, sand, or water, and even artificial sources like welding machines. To treat it, avoid rubbing your eyes, use cool compresses, take pain relievers, and apply preservative free lubricating eye drops. Symptoms usually ease within 24-48 hours, but if they persist, consult an eye care professional. To prevent eye sunburn, always wear sunglasses with complete UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat, especially in reflective environments.
What is Eye Sunburn?
Eye sunburn, medically known as photokeratitis, is inflammation of the cornea caused by overexposure to UV rays. Just like a sunburn it can cause some serious discomfort:
- Gritty, painful sensation in the eyes
- Redness and swelling
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or seeing halos
While eye sunburn doesn't actually burn your eyes like a skin sunburn, it can still cause damage. UV rays can harm the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, leading to that uncomfortable inflammation.
Causes of Eye Sunburn
So, what exactly causes photokeratitis? The main culprit is UV exposure. Direct sunlight is a major source, but it's not the only one. Reflections from snow, sand, water, and even artificial sources like welding machines and tanning beds can also lead to eye sunburn.
Certain activities put you at higher risk:
- Skiing or snowboarding without proper eye protection
- Spending long hours near the water without sunglasses
- Welding without a protective eyewear
The intensity of UV rays increases with altitude, so mountain activities like hiking and skiing can expose your eyes to higher levels of UV radiation. Water activities also pose a risk, as the sun's rays can reflect off the water's surface and into your eyes.
Symptoms of Eye Sunburn
How do you know if you have eye sunburn? The symptoms can be quite uncomfortable. You might feel a gritty sensation in your eyes, as if there's sand or dirt in them. Eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light are also common signs of photokeratitis.
But the effects of eye sunburn aren't just about discomfort. It can also impact your vision:
- Blurry vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Temporary vision loss (in severe cases)
These visual disturbances can be alarming, but they usually subside within a day or two. However, if symptoms persist, it's crucial to consult an eye doctor for a proper assessment.
Fun Fact: Some people refer to photokeratitis as "snow blindness" because it's common among skiers and snowboarders who spend hours on reflective snow without proper eye protection.How to Treat Eye Sunburn
If you find yourself with a case of photokeratitis, the first thing to do is remove your contact lenses if you wear them. This will prevent further irritation to your eyes. It's also crucial to resist the urge to rub your eyes, as this can worsen the inflammation.
To find relief, try these simple measures:
- Apply a cool compress to your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. This can help soothe the discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any pain or headaches associated with eye sunburn.
- Preservative free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable during the healing process.
Most cases of photokeratitis resolve on their own within 24-48 hours. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen after a couple of days, it's important to seek advice from an eye care professional. They can assess the severity of your eye sunburn and recommend additional treatments if necessary.
Preventing Eye Sunburn
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. One of the most effective ways to shield your eyes is by wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Look for labels that indicate "UV 400" or "100% UV protection" when choosing your shades.
In addition to sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection for your eyes and the delicate skin around them. This is especially important in highly reflective environments like:
- Snow-covered slopes while skiing or snowboarding
- Sandy beaches during holidays
- Open water while boating or fishing
These surfaces can intensify the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes, increasing your risk of developing photokeratitis.
By taking simple precautions and understanding the environmental factors that contribute to eye sunburn, you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities while keeping your eyes healthy and protected.
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