What is Eye Sunburn, Prevention and Treatment

You might think that the skin is the only body organ that can get burned from intense sunlight exposure, but the truth is that our eyes are just as vulnerable. Sunburn of the eye, also known as photokeratitis, snow blindness, and welder’s flash, is a medical condition that can occur after prolonged exposure to intense sunlight or other sources of light. This condition, also described as a corneal burn, can present symptoms such as redness, burning, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Fortunately, with rest and proper care, this condition usually improves within a few days, and more serious complications can be prevented. However, prevention is always better than cure, and using shades with appropriate UV protection can help protect the eyes from damage caused by sunlight.

What is the difference between sunburn of the eye and skin?

The damage caused by sunlight to the eyes, known as photokeratitis, differs significantly from skin sunburn. While skin sunburn is quickly and easily identifiable, eye sunburn may occur gradually without obvious symptoms. This condition can happen when the eyes are exposed to intense light for an extended period, such as direct sunlight, fluorescent lights, or welding torches.

If you notice unpleasant and erosive signs in your eyes and find it difficult to endure, it is possible to consult a doctor. However, it should be known that burns caused by the sun’s rays on the eyes can be improved with simple methods at home. In general, be cautious and protect your eyes, which are a window to the surrounding world and its beauties. These vital organs, through which we can perceive the wonders of the world around us, deserve endless attention and care. Continue reading this article to discuss prevention and available treatments for sunburned eyes and to share more information on this topic.

Symptoms and Signs of Eye Sunburn

If you have concerns about contracting photokeratitis or observe any of its signs in yourself, do not hesitate to consult an ophthalmologist immediately. An eye specialist will conduct precise and sensitive tests to assess your condition and ensure the absence of solar eye burn. As mentioned earlier, if you become aware of this issue in time, you can aid your recovery by using home treatment methods. However, if symptoms intensify, seek an ophthalmologist without delay to prevent the disease’s progression.

Sometimes you may experience some of these signs, but it does not necessarily mean you have solar eye burn, as these symptoms can also be common with other eye disorders. Therefore, experiencing certain signs alone cannot definitively diagnose photokeratitis. Consequently, accurate and timely diagnosis by an ophthalmologist is of great importance.

What are the causes of sunburned eyes?

As said earlier, Exposure to sunlight without proper protection can lead to serious eye damage, known as photokeratitis or sunburned eyes. This condition can result from direct exposure to the sun’s rays, especially when sunlight is reflected off shiny surfaces like snow or water, hitting the eyes with greater intensity. Additionally, using equipment that emits intense light, such as welding devices without the necessary protection, can cause sunburned eyes. In environments where artificial sun lamps are used for skin tanning, if protective goggles or sunglasses are not worn, there is a risk of sunburned eyes. Moreover, directly looking at strong light sources such as photography projectors or bright lights without using special glasses can lead to serious eye injuries. These injuries may include pain, redness, a burning sensation, and even temporary vision loss. Therefore, using appropriate protective gear when exposed to intense light is essential for maintaining eye health.

What are the signs of sunburned eyes?

The symptoms of this condition can include severe eye pain, irregular contraction and dilation of the pupils, frequent and involuntary blinking, temporary reduction in vision strength, blurred and hazy vision, redness and swelling of the eyes, increased tearing, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually and can last from a few hours to several days. Immediate and appropriate care can help reduce pain and prevent further damage. Therefore, it is recommended to wear sunglasses with proper UV protection when exposed to intense light, to protect the eyes from harmful rays. Also, if any of the mentioned symptoms occur, it is advised to promptly consult a doctor to prevent more serious consequences.

Medications that increases the sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight are bad for Eye Sunburn

Additionally, certain medications can increase the sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight and raise the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, before taking any medication, it is essential to carefully review its side effects and, if necessary, use appropriate protection such as sunglasses when exposed to sunlight. Medications that may increase the risk of photokeratitis include antihistamines, antibiotics, ibuprofen, drugs containing high levels of vitamin E, cholesterol-lowering drugs, prescription drugs for treating mental disorders and depression, and oral contraceptives. These drugs can increase the sensitivity of the eyes to light, intensifying the risk of eye sunburn. Therefore, always exercise caution when taking these medications and being exposed to sunlight.

What are the treatments for eye sunburn?

If you have observed symptoms of eye sunburn and are certain of its presence, you can treat it at home using simple and accessible methods. First, if you are wearing contact lenses, gently remove them from your eyes to reduce the intensity of the burning and discomfort. After removing the lenses, place them in their special case and, as usual, carefully clean them with the lens solution. Be aware that until your eyes have fully healed, you should not use contact lenses again; instead, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from intense light and to speed up the healing process. These simple yet effective measures can play a significant role in reducing the unpleasant symptoms of eye sunburn and in a quicker return to normal vision.

To maintain the health and comfort of your eyes, it is essential to give them a chance to rest. It is recommended that you return home, settle into a quiet and cozy room, turn off the lights, and draw the curtains to create a dark and pleasant environment. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling caused by sunburn. If returning home is not an option, find a place with soft lighting and use quality sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Additionally, placing a cold compress on your eyelids can alleviate the sensation of burning and pain. If ice is not available, you can soak a clean cloth in cold water, place it on your eyes, and repeat this several times until you achieve complete relaxation. These methods will help you protect your eyes from environmental stresses and recover quickly.

In case of eye dryness what should you do?

If you are experiencing dry eye problems, using artificial tear drops can be an effective solution. These drops provide the necessary moisture for the eyes, preventing inflammation and burning caused by dryness, which may occur due to exposure to sunlight. You can use these drops frequently throughout the day to ensure the comfort of your eyes. If the pain in your eyes does not subside with the use of ordinary painkillers, it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist so that stronger pain medication may be prescribed if needed.

Some drug may make Eye Sunburn even worse

Additionally, it is important to know that drugs from the ibuprofen family can increase light sensitivity; therefore, if you plan to go outside, consider using alternative painkillers to prevent increased light sensitivity. This information can help you maintain the health of your eyes by choosing the appropriate treatment.

What should you do additionally

Until your eyes fully recover, it is recommended to minimize the use of mobile phones and personal computers. The reason for this is that the blue light emitted from the screens of these devices can damage the eyes and cause irritation. This light, which is continuously emitted from digital screens, can lead to eye fatigue and even more serious damage in the long term. Therefore, protecting the eyes from this harmful light is of great importance. Using glasses designed to filter blue light or adjusting the brightness and contrast of the screen can help reduce this damage. Additionally, allocating rest times for the eyes during the use of these devices can significantly contribute to maintaining their health. Remember that the health of your eyes is very important for maintaining the quality of your life and should be carefully looked after.

The bottom-line

Solar eye burn, which can be rare, occurs when the eyes are exposed to sunlight and strong light sources for an extended period without proper protection. This condition can damage the eyes, so using quality sunglasses and brimmed hats to protect the eyes from intense light is of great importance. Sunglasses not only help maintain the health of the eyes but can also prevent future vision problems. Therefore, it is recommended to use these protective devices in any lighting conditions, especially outdoors, to protect your precious eyes.