Best Ways to Treat and Prevent Sunburned Eyes

How Do Your Eyes Get Sunburned?

The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause significant harm to your eyes. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the eye, reaching the retina, and are linked to long-term eye conditions such as macular degeneration. UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the eye, such as the cornea and lens, and are known to play a key role in the development of cataracts. Prolonged or excessive UV exposure can lead to sunburned eyes.

Unlike the skin, which has melanin to offer some level of natural protection against UV rays, the eyes have no such defense. The cornea, lens, and retina are all vulnerable to UV damage. The cornea, as the outermost layer, is typically the first part of the eye impacted by UV radiation, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Over time, continuous exposure to UV rays can cloud the lens, increasing the risk of cataracts without proper eye protection.

The likelihood of sunburned eyes is even higher in environments where UV rays are reflected. Water, sand, and snow reflect UV rays, intensifying their impact on your eyes. For example, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, making outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding especially hazardous if you’re not wearing appropriate eye protection. Even on overcast days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and still affect your eyes, so it’s important to remain vigilant and take preventative measures. 

Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes

Similar to how your skin shows obvious signs of sunburn after excessive sun exposure, your eyes can also exhibit symptoms of sunburn, known as photokeratitis. The severity of these symptoms varies, ranging from mild discomfort to more intense pain and vision issues, depending on how much UV radiation your eyes have absorbed. Recognizing these signs early is crucial to ensure proper care and prevent permanent damage to your eyes. Common symptoms of sunburned eyes include:

• Redness and irritation 

• A burning or stinging sensation 

• Increased light sensitivity 

• Blurred vision 

• Watery eyes 

In more severe cases, sunburned eyes may lead to:

• Swollen eyelids 

• Visual disturbances like halos around lights 

• Pain and discomfort 

Treating Sunburned Eyes

Fortunately, sunburned eyes are usually temporary and can be treated with some simple home remedies. Acting promptly is important to ease the discomfort, prevent further irritation, and speed up recovery. Here’s how you can effectively treat photokeratitis and soothe the discomfort caused by UV exposure:

Immediate Relief

• Cool Compress: Applying a cool, damp cloth to your closed eyelids can help relieve the burning sensation and reduce swelling. The cool temperature soothes inflammation and helps alleviate discomfort. Just ensure the compress isn’t too cold, as extreme temperatures can aggravate irritation. 

• Lubricating Eye Drops: Use preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating drops to hydrate the eyes, flush out any remaining irritants, and alleviate dryness caused by UV exposure. These drops provide immediate relief for your eyes. 

• Resting Your Eyes: Avoid bright lights, excessive screen time, and activities that could strain your eyes. Resting in a dark, quiet environment helps reduce light sensitivity and promotes quicker healing. It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation. 

Medical Treatment

If your symptoms are severe or persist despite at-home remedies, professional treatment may be necessary. This could include:

• Prescription Eye Drops: If your eyes are severely inflamed or you’re experiencing significant discomfort, your eye care provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drops to reduce swelling and accelerate the healing process. 

• Antibiotic Ointments: If an infection develops or there is a risk due to irritation, your doctor may recommend antibiotic ointments to prevent infection and support healing. 

• Follow-Up Care: If your symptoms last more than a few days or get worse, it’s essential to schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor. Persistent symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires further medical attention. 

Avoiding Further Irritation

While your eyes are healing, it's important to minimize factors that could worsen your symptoms:

• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from further UV exposure by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever you’re outdoors. This will help reduce light sensitivity and ensure proper healing by shielding your eyes from the sun. 

• Avoid Smoke and Dust: Environmental irritants like smoke and dust can worsen the symptoms of sunburned eyes. Try to stay in clean, well-ventilated environments as much as possible while your eyes recover. 

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Proper hydration supports tear production and helps alleviate dryness, which is essential for healing sunburned eyes. 

Avoiding Sunburned Eyes

The best way to prevent discomfort and long-term damage caused by sunburned eyes is through proactive protection. Just like you protect your skin from harmful UV rays, your eyes need similar care. Below are some essential strategies to help safeguard your eyes from sunburn and reduce UV exposure:

1. Wear Sunglasses with Full UV Protection

The most effective way to shield your eyes from sunburn is by wearing sunglasses that provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Not all sunglasses are created equal, so ensure you choose lenses that block both types of harmful UV rays. Larger or wraparound frames offer additional protection from UV rays that can reach your eyes from the sides. Polarized lenses are a great option, as they reduce glare from reflective surfaces, providing extra comfort and enhanced protection.

2. Use a Wide-Brimmed Hat or Visor

A wide-brimmed hat or visor adds another layer of protection by blocking sunlight from reaching your face and eyes. This extra shade helps reduce UV exposure while you’re outside, whether you’re hiking, walking, or enjoying outdoor activities. A hat’s added protection is essential to keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful effects.

3. Stay in the Shade During Peak Sun Hours

UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to limit your outdoor activities during these peak hours. When you need to be outside, try to stay in shaded areas or use sun-blocking structures like umbrellas, trees, or tents. Wearing sunglasses and a hat during these hours will provide maximum protection from UV exposure.

4. Be Cautious in Reflective Environments

Reflective surfaces such as snow, sand, and water can bounce UV rays back into your eyes, intensifying the risk of sunburn. It’s essential to wear sunglasses with UV protection when near these reflective surfaces. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or spending time at the beach, make sure to protect your eyes from increased UV radiation. Reflective surfaces can significantly elevate your risk of sunburned eyes, so always take extra precautions.

5. Wear UV-Blocking Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, consider choosing UV-blocking lenses to add an extra layer of protection when you’re outside. However, these lenses should not replace sunglasses, as they do not protect the surrounding areas of your eyes, such as your eyelids and the skin around them. For complete protection, combine UV-blocking contact lenses with quality sunglasses.

6. Get Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and preventing UV-related damage. Your eye care provider can detect early signs of conditions caused by UV exposure, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, and provide advice on how to protect your eyes. If you have concerns about sunburned eyes or the effects of UV exposure, make sure to schedule an eye exam to discuss preventive care.