Most people know the pain of sunburned skin — but did you know your eyes can get sunburned too? At Medical Arts Optical in Hot Springs, we see patients every year who experience painful symptoms after a day in the sun without proper eye protection.
Eye sunburn, known medically as photokeratitis, can happen faster than you think — and it’s more than just temporary discomfort. Here’s what you need to know to keep your eyes safe under the Arkansas sun.
What Is Photokeratitis?
Photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn of the eye’s surface. It occurs when the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, is damaged by excessive ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
Unlike a skin sunburn, photokeratitis can set in quickly — even after just a few hours outdoors on a bright day, especially near reflective surfaces like water, snow, sand, or concrete.
How Do Your Eyes Get Sunburned?
Your eyes can absorb harmful UV rays from the sun directly or indirectly. Surfaces like water, snow, or light-colored pavement reflect UV light, increasing your risk of eye sunburn.
Common scenarios that put you at risk include:
- Spending time outdoors without sunglasses
- Skiing, snowboarding, or being in snowy areas
- Boating, fishing, or beach activities
- Tanning beds or welding without proper eye protection
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the atmosphere and damage your eyes.
Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes
Photokeratitis often causes symptoms within a few hours of UV exposure. These may include:
- A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness and tearing
- Blurred vision or light sensitivity
- Swollen eyelids
- Excessive watering
- The feeling that something is stuck in your eye
In severe cases, vision may temporarily become very blurry, though it usually returns to normal with proper care.
How Is Eye Sunburn Treated?
The good news is that photokeratitis often heals on its own within 24-48 hours. However, it’s important to:
- Stay indoors and avoid bright light
- Wear sunglasses if you must go outside
- Use lubricating eye drops to relieve discomfort
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Keep your eyes closed and rest
If symptoms persist or worsen, visit Medical Arts Optical or seek medical attention promptly. Severe cases can lead to complications without proper treatment.
Protecting Your Eyes from Sunburn
Preventing eye sunburn is simple and essential for long-term eye health. Here’s how you can protect your eyes:
- Wear sunglasses labeled with a high UVA and UVB protection
- Choose wraparound frames for full coverage
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to block extra sunlight
- Avoid tanning beds and always use protective eyewear if using them
- Be cautious around reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow
At Medical Arts Optical, we carry a variety of stylish sunglasses designed to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays—and keep you looking great while doing it.
Why Sun Protection Matters for Your Eyes
Repeated UV exposure increases your risk of developing eye diseases such as:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Pterygium (growth on the white of the eye)
- Skin cancer on the eyelids
Taking care of your eyes today helps protect your vision for years to come.
Keep Your Eyes Safe in the Hot Springs Sun
At Medical Arts Optical in Hot Springs, we’re passionate about helping you protect your eyes from sun damage. Whether you’re choosing sunglasses or dealing with symptoms of photokeratitis, our experienced team is here to help you see clearly and comfortably.
Don’t wait until your eyes get sunburned. Come visit us and explore our selection of protective eyewear — because your vision deserves the best care.