Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?

Need another good reason to get prescription sunglasses in North Syracuse, NY? If so, the fact that your eyes can get sunburned may be all you need to know to spur your decision. Check out more about what sun exposure can actually do to the eyes below.

Photokeratitis: A Closer Look at Sun Damage to the Eyes

The medical term for eye sunburn is photokeratitis. This condition is caused by excessive UV light exposure, and the outcome can be painful. Oftentimes, people develop photokeratitis when they have spent a long day in the sun without proper eyewear protection. However, photokeratitis can also stem from spending a few minutes in a tanning bed without eye protection or being exposed to certain types of intense light.

Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes

Most people will be able to clearly tell when their eyes have had too much exposure to the sun because of how their eyes feel. An eye sunburn can be painful with the eyes feeling highly uncomfortable. Symptoms of eye sunburn can include:

• Eye redness
• Feeling like there is something in the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Eyelid twitching
• Sensitivity to sunlight or bright light
• Headache

How Long Does Eye Sunburn Last?

The duration of symptoms of eye sunburn can vary from person to person. In most cases, the symptoms will start to dissipate after a few days as long as you strive to protect the eyes from further UV exposure while you are healing.

What Should You Do If Your Eyes Are Sunburned?

Unless you are having intense pain or severe vision changes, the best plan is to give your eyes a rest for a few days. You can use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to soothe some of the irritation. If you normally wear contact lenses, be sure to leave them out until your eyes get better. Lastly, wear protective sunglasses if you have to be outdoors.

Talk to a North Syracuse Eye Doctor

If your eyes are especially sensitive to the sun, it is always important to wear the best sunglasses. If you would like guidance about finding prescription sunglasses to protect your eyes, be sure to talk to a North Syracuse eye doctor for advice. Reach out to McPherson Optometry to schedule an appointment.