Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?
Having fun in the sun is a great way to connect to the great outdoors, get active and recharge. However, sunny days can actually be bad for your eye health if you don’t protect your eyes. Most people already know your skin can get sunburned. But can your eyes get sunburned, too? Eye sunburn is a very real threat to your eye health that can cause irritation and long-term damage. Our Visionworks eye care experts can help you keep your eyes protected from the sun. We lay out everything there is to know about eye sunburn, including causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention. Together, we can keep your eyes safe while you get back to focusing on brighter days ahead.
What are Eye Sunburn, Photokeratitis and Summer Eye?
Eye sunburn, photokeratitis and summer eye are all names for the condition occurring when the eyes have too much exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Just like your skin, your eyes can get burned by the sun. Eye sunburn symptoms can appear anywhere from 6 to 12 hours after exposure, resulting in inflamed corneas and general irritation and pain. The cornea is the clear outer covering of the eye. Typically, eye sunburn symptoms subside after 1 to 2 days—the same duration as the average skin sunburn. While eye sunburns clear up on their own, with repeated incidents, they can lead to serious eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye cancer.
The Causes of Eye Sunburn
While eye sunburn is also known as summer eye, the condition can occur at any time of the year. Eye sunburns are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays or intense glare off snow, water, sand or other reflective surfaces.
What are the Symptoms of Eye Sunburn?
Eye sunburn symptoms can take 6 to 12 hours to appear after initial UV exposure. Symptoms often include a red puffy appearance in the eyes and sharp pain. Sometimes, vision may be temporarily impaired. Look out for these main eye sunburn symptoms:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Stinging
- Burning
- Gritty sensation
- Soreness
- General sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Dry eyes
- Blurry vision
- Eye twitching
- Headaches
People with lighter-colored eyes are typically more susceptible to eye sunburn and may experience more severe symptoms. Whatever color your eyes are, if your symptoms persist more than two days or you continue to notice vision changes, make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Treating Eye Sunburn
Eye sunburns typically heal on their own. However, you can take measures to relieve symptoms and prevent further irritation. Try the following tactics to ease your symptoms—and always reach out to an eye doctor if you have questions or concerns.
- Get out of the sun and avoid further exposure as soon as eye sunburn symptoms appear.
- Wear glasses instead of contacts until irritation ceases.
- Avoid wearing makeup, as it could further irritate the eyes.
- Avoid swimming and exposing your eyes to water.
- Do not rub your eyes, even if they feel itchy.
- Wear sunglasses, as your eyes will be especially sensitive to light.
- Place a cool compress over your eyes and rest with your eyes closed.
- Use artificial tears to lubricate the eyes and reduce irritation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort.
- Track your symptoms, knowing they should resolve within 1 to 2 days.
Again, if you are experiencing intense pain, vision changes or symptoms lasting more than 2 days, make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss the issue.
How Can I Protect My Eyes from Eye Sunburn?
The best way to protect your eyes and prevent eye sunburn is to always wear sunglasses when spending time outdoors. Invest in high-quality sunglasses that offer full UVA/UVB protection—and double-check the label to ensure full-spectrum protection is listed. Remember, not all sunglasses are created equal!
You may want to invest in specialized lenses to help keep you protected. In addition to providing superior clarity, polarized lenses filter out harsh glare and are perfect for avid fans of outdoor recreation, like golfers, fishers and hikers. While many of us remember to wear sunglasses during the summer months, don’t forget to wear your sunglasses in winter, too! UV rays threaten your eye health, no matter the season. If you find that you always leave your sunglasses at home, consider light-reactive lenses, which automatically adjust their tint to fit most lighting conditions.
At Visionworks, we have dozens of sunglass styles from all your favorite designers. So, you can make a fashion statement while protecting your eyes. Shop our collection of sunglasses in-store or online—and pick up a nice shady hat while you’re at it!
Visionworks Can Help You Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Before you enjoy your fun in the sun, plan for the proper vision protection. The best way to stay safe from eye sunburn is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Find a pair of sunglasses you love at Visionworks and look forward to those sunny days ahead. Visit a Visionworks store near you to find the perfect pair of frames and learn more about our prescription sunglasses, polarized lenses and light-reactive lenses.
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
