Shield Your Sight: How to Avoid Sunburned Eyes

Photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn of the eye. It affects the cornea, your eye’s clear front surface. Your cornea, like your skin, can be damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

When UV rays are reflected off surfaces such as snow, water, sand, or concrete, they can strike your eyes directly, often with twice the intensity. This condition is most often caused by:

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight without eye protection
• Reflected UV rays from snow (commonly called snow blindness)
• Tanning beds
• Welder’s arc (known as welder’s flash)

Photokeratitis doesn’t always present symptoms immediately. In many cases, signs start showing up a few hours after exposure, similar to how sunburned skin may take a while to become red and painful.

Common symptoms include:

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness
• Blurred vision or temporary vision loss
• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Tearing or excessive watering
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Swollen eyelids
• Headaches

Most symptoms subside within 24 to 48 hours, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Repeated exposure to UV radiation without protection can lead to more serious eye issues down the line.

While one case of photokeratitis might not cause lasting damage, chronic exposure to UV rays without protection can increase your risk of:

• Cataracts
• Pterygium (a benign growth on the white of the eye)
• Macular degeneration
• Skin cancer on the eyelids

These are serious conditions that can permanently affect your vision and eye health. That’s why it’s crucial to take eye protection seriously, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Certain people and environments can increase the likelihood of getting sunburned eyes. You might be at higher risk if you:

• Spend time at high altitudes (where UV exposure is stronger)
• Ski, snowboard, or hike in snowy environments
• Spend time on or near water, which reflects UV rays
• Use tanning beds
• Weld or work with UV-emitting equipment
• Live in sunny climates

Children are also more vulnerable because their eyes are more transparent and absorb more UV radiation.

Preventing sunburned eyes is relatively easy with a few precautions:

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses

Make sure your sunglasses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer more complete protection.

Use a wide-brimmed hat

Hats help shade your eyes and face from direct sunlight.

Avoid peak sunlight hours

UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to stay in the shade during these hours.

Don’t stare at reflective surfaces

Whether it’s snow, water, or sand, avoid looking directly at surfaces that can reflect sunlight.

Wear goggles in snowy environments

Skiing or snowboarding without goggles can expose your eyes to dangerously intense UV rays, especially at higher altitudes.

If you suspect photokeratitis, here are a few steps to help alleviate discomfort:

• Remove contact lenses immediately
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Stay in a dark room and rest your eyes
• Use cold compresses to soothe the area
• Use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to relieve dryness
• Avoid light exposure until symptoms improve

Important: If your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, worsen, or affect your vision significantly, seek medical attention. Severe or repeated damage can lead to complications.

Yes, your eyes can get sunburned eyes, and it’s more common than many people realize. Photokeratitis is usually temporary, but it’s uncomfortable and can be a sign of dangerous overexposure to UV radiation. The good news is that with simple protective measures—like wearing quality sunglasses and avoiding peak sun hours—you can prevent most cases and keep your eyes healthy for years to come.

So the next time you pack sunscreen, don’t forget protection for your eyes. They need it just as much as your skin does.

Worried that you might have sunburned eyes? See our optometrists, Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates, to get a comprehensive eye exam.

Our optometrists in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas. 

Contact us:

Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL

815-477-4053

Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL

847-458-5796