While outdoors, most of us use sunscreen to prevent damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Apart from the skin, UV light can also cause damage to our eyes. Eyes can get ‘sunburned’ when exposed to UV rays. What are the signs and symptoms of sunburned eyes, and can this be prevented? Keep reading to know more about the treatment of sunburned eyes.
Can your eyes get sunburned?
The UV light can cause damage to the skin and result in skin sunburn. Similar to skin sunburn, the UV rays can also cause eye sunburn or photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is an eye condition that affects the cornea, the outer transparent layer of the eye. Photokeratitis is derived from the words 'photo' meaning light and 'keratitis' meaning inflammation of the cornea. Photokeratitis is also referred to as solar ophthalmia, snow blindness, or flash burns.
Causes of photokeratitis
The most common cause of photokeratitis is the exposure to the UV rays. The UV rays are found in sunlight and other light sources such as nightclub lighting, gymnasium lamps, sparks during welding, and tanning beds. Hence, photokeratitis often presents itself as an occupational hazard among lab workers, people in the leisure industry, welders, and those working at tanning salons. Snow reflections can also cause photokeratitis. As such, skiers, mountaineers, and individuals who live in snowy regions are prone to eye sunburn.
During the pandemic, many people used UV lamps as a disinfection method. Improper use of these lamps increased cases of photokeratitis.
How to prevent eyes from sunburn
Since photokeratitis is considered an ophthalmic emergency, it is prudent to take preventative measures. A few simple precautions can help prevent our eyes from getting sunburned:
Wear UV-blocking glasses
Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can help in preventing photokeratitis. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has specified standards for the lenses and frames of the sunglasses. Ensure that the sunglasses fit your face well and adequately cover your eyes.
Avoid direct sun
While working outdoors, if possible, avoid direct sun. Use beach umbrellas, canopies, or cabanas whenever possible. Use stroller canopies or umbrellas to protect babies and toddlers from the sun.
Wear a hat
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a wide-brimmed hat made from fabric that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher. These hats can protect your eyes from solar UV rays. Also, make sure that the brim of the hat is at least 3 inches wide to keep your eyes protected.
Limit exposure during peak hours
The peak hours of UV radiation are between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid direct sunlight during these times. For instance, schedule outdoor activities such as walking or sports during early mornings or late afternoons.
Check the UV index
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site provides information about the daily UV index predicted by the National Weather Services. The UV index is a scale from 1 to 11 used to predict daily UV radiations. An interesting rule to gauge UV exposure is the shadow rule. If your shadow is longer than yourself then you have less UV exposure. During the midday, the shadow is shorter than the person, and the UV exposure is high.
Signs your eyes are sunburned
Patients with photokeratitis experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blurry vision or temporary loss of vision
- Watery eyes or excessive tearing
- Headache
- Gritty feeling in the eyes
- Twitching eyelids
Although this condition can affect only one eye, usually the signs and symptoms are observed in both eyes. Often facial skin sunburn is also observed in patients with photokeratitis.
How long does eye sunburn last?
Eye sunburn causes the outer layer of cells on the cornea to shed, leaving the corneal nerves exposed and damaged. Since these cells can regenerate, this condition usually heals within 2–3 days with proper treatment.
How to heal sunburned eyes
Since photokeratitis heals within 2–3 days with proper treatment, seeking treatment from a healthcare provider in the early stages is crucial. Consult your doctor as soon as the symptoms appear. Here we provide an overview of first aid and routine medical management for sunburned eyes.
First aid treatment
As a safe first aid treatment, you can take the following measures:
- Remove contact lenses if you use them, and avoid wearing them until your eyes are completely healed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes even though you may experience an itchy sensation.
- Stay away from direct sun or the source of UV rays. Use cold compresses to soothe the eye.
- If your doctor has prescribed you artificial tears, you can continue using them.
Medical treatment
Treatment for eye sunburn focuses on managing symptoms and promoting corneal healing. The disease is usually not complex, and most patients heal completely. Oral painkillers can help in reducing pain and discomfort. Doctors can recommend artificial tears to help the cornea heal. In some cases, doctors may prescribe eyedrops or antibiotic eye ointments such as erythromycin to avoid secondary infections.
Potential complications
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause other ophthalmic complications such as pterygium (an overgrowth of tissue from the inner corner of the eye to the iris), erythema (redness), and certain types of cancers. When diagnosed early, these complications can be treated without any permanent damage to the eye. Visit your doctor for a periodic eye checkup if you have had prolonged UV exposure.
In a nutshell, eye sunburn or photokeratitis is a condition that affects the cornea causing severe pain. Typically, ultraviolet rays from the sun or other sources such as lab UV lamps cause photokeratitis. This condition can usually resolve within 2–3 days with proper treatment. Doctors typically prescribe antibiotic ointments and eye drops to treat this condition. Consult your doctor immediately if your eyes hurt after sun exposure. Using sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can help in preventing eye sunburn.
FAQ
Can you get eye sunburn on cloudy days?
Photokeratitis or eye sunburn is a result of eyes being exposed to UV rays. These UV rays can be from the sun or other sources. UV rays from the sun can pass through the cloud cover and cause damage to the eyes even on cloudy days. UV rays from other sources such as welding or UV lights in laboratories can damage the eyes at any time.
How long does eye sunburn last?
With proper treatment, most cases of eye sunburn resolve within 3 days. Typically, your eye doctor will advise you to schedule a follow-up appointment between 3 and 5 days. Any complications such as worsening pain can be treated during the follow-up visit. People who are routinely exposed to UV rays should have periodic eye checkups to prevent conditions such as pterygium or erythema.
How long does it take for symptoms of eye sunburn to appear?
The symptoms of eye sunburn can appear as early as after 30 minutes of exposure. However, in most cases, patients report symptoms after 12 hours of exposure. The symptoms usually go away in 72 hours or so after medical treatment.
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Exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to eye sunburn or photokeratitis, a painful ocular condition. The source of UV rays can be the sun, lab UV lights, tanning beds, or snow reflections.
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Usually, photokeratitis affects both the eyes and causes pain, decreased vision, and watery eyes. It may be associated with sunburn on the face.
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Doctors treat photokeratitis with antibiotics and lubricating eye drops. It usually resolves within 72 hours.
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Use sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to prevent exposure to UV rays.
6 resources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki. Photokeratitis.
- Medicine. Increased photokeratitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. UV index scale.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sun exposure.
- Skin Cancer Foundation. Seal of recommendation.
- American National Standards institute. ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020: current standard for safety glasses.
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