Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?

Most people are now aware of the risks associated with sun exposure to their skin. Gone are the days of using baby oil to enhance a tan or skipping sunscreen altogether – most people understand that lathering up is a non-negotiable for a summer day spent outside. But have you ever wondered, “Can your eyes get sunburned?”

The short answer to that question is a resounding, yes! However, your eyes do not get sunburned the same way your skin does. They will not turn pink or red or become a darker color. And they certainly don’t start peeling.

When the eyes get sunburned, they experience damage to the retina, cornea, or both. The retina is the layer in the back of the eye that is very sensitive to light. The cornea is the clear film covering your iris, the colored part of your eye.

If you’ve ever stared directly at the sun, you know that it probably isn’t very good for your eyes. Most people can’t stand looking at it directly for more than a few seconds, and for good reason. Ultraviolet, or UV, rays from the sun can penetrate your eyes’ natural protective defenses and cause some real damage. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to prevent damage and even heal sunburned eyes at home. In this article, we’ll discuss why the sun can be so harmful and how to help sunburned eyes.

UV Light and Your Eyes

Is UV light bad for your eyes? The answer is unfortunately “yes.” The term used to describe eyes that have been damaged by natural or artificial UV rays is “photokeratitis.” But, this isn’t the only term used – there are a variety of other terms that describe the different ways exposure to light can negatively affect a person’s eyesight.

For instance, “flash burn” or “welder’s flash” is used when eyesight is affected by a sudden rush of UV light. It usually comes from something like a welder’s torch. Another common condition is called snow blindness, which is photokeratitis caused by the reflection of the sun’s UV rays off the snow.

No matter what you call it when eyes are “sunburned,” it means that the corneas or retinas have been damaged. It could be due to either natural or artificial ultraviolet rays. Symptoms of sunburned eyes include severe pain, teary eyes, or a sensation similar to feeling like there is sand in your eyes. If your eyes have been burned, they will also become even more sensitive to light.

So what happens if you burn your eyes multiple times? Well, just like multiple sunburns can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, multiple sunburns in your eyes can have a more long-term impact on your vision. This is because prolonged UV exposure can cause cataracts to develop. Cataracts develop slowly over several years and can eventually lead to blindness. If you see someone with cloudiness in one or both eyes, they most likely have cataracts. 

Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun

So what can you do to prevent sun damaged eyes? As you probably can predict, sunglasses and bucket or wide-brimmed hats are the best physical solution. To ensure maximum protection, always ensure that your eyewear protects you from 100 percent of the UV rays from the sun. Most sunglasses will display a UV rating on their packaging. 

It’s also a good idea to make sure your underwater eyewear is sufficiently protective, especially for your children. If they are going to spend all day in and out of the pool, make sure their goggles also have a 100 percent UV protection rating. If you opt for good eyewear and protective hats, you will be well on your way to achieving good summer eye care. However, while these protective items are important, they aren’t the only solutions.

Healthy Diet, Healthy Vision

When it comes to your vision, sun protection starts with your diet. By ensuring you are consuming the right vitamins and antioxidants, you will give your eyes some much-needed natural protection from the sun.

Like other parts of your body, your eyes greatly benefit from a healthy diet. There are 17 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements that can help you maintain healthy vision, including vitamins A and C. Scientific research has proven that these 17 vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements can prevent cataracts, as well as other debilitating eye conditions such as glaucoma.

Do you remember the countless times your mother reminded you to eat your carrots? Well, she was right! Vitamin A, found in carrots, keeps your retinas healthy and your vision clear. It can also prevent cataracts. This can help provide your vision with some resilience from the summer sun. 

Vitamin C is another important antioxidant that can prevent cataracts. You can get vitamin C from orange juice, collard greens, and other leafy greens.

When it comes to eye sunburns, starting with healthy eyes is key. If your eyes are already damaged or deficient in nutrients, they won’t be able to combat the sunburn. The best way to heal sunburned eyes is to ensure they have the nutrients they need to repair themselves. Your body can do a lot of healing on its own if you provide it with the proper nutritional support! 

How to Help Sunburned Eyes

Before we talk about how to treat sunburned eyes, let’s talk about how to tell if your eyes are sunburned in the first place. If you are experiencing some intense eye pain after light exposure, or that gritty feeling we described earlier, that’s one clear sign that UV rays have damaged your vision. While the whites of your eyes cannot get sunburned per se, they also may appear bloodshot. 

If you notice that your eyes have likely been sunburned, start first aid on your eyes. That means getting out of the sun or artificial light. Allow your body temperature to cool off if it’s hot, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Remove any contact lenses you may be wearing and let your eyes rest. This is the best sunburned eyes home remedy! 

What you should do to heal sunburned eyes also depends on how long your eye sunburn lasts. If your symptoms persist longer than 48 hours, go see your eye doctor. They will be able to determine how severe the burn is and what you need to do next. 

Healthy Habits for Better Eyes

Of course, getting outside isn’t the only way to damage your eyes. We do plenty of damage sitting in our offices all day, too. That’s why it’s so important to consider how we protect our eyes from environmental factors. Adding some eye exercises to your routine can also help give your eyes some resistance to damage. Prevention is the key to protecting your eyes from UV rays. You have many options that can help you improve or maintain your vision. Remember: diet and exercise are not just for your muscles and your heart! They also keep your eyesight healthy and sharp.