Blog Hero

Can You Sunburn Your Eyes?

Book Appointment Now
A woman wearing sunglasses, a sun hat, and a bathing suit at the beach, and she's using her hand to block the bright sunlight from her eyes

While soaking up all the sun’s rays can feel great, it’s important to remember that too much UV exposure isn’t healthy for our skin or eyes. While many of us are aware that sunlight can be damaging, too much exposure to UV radiation without protection from sunglasses can cause serious damage. 

Yes, your eyes can get “sunburns” or, more accurately, “photokeratitis,” but there are certain signs and symptoms to watch out for so you can protect your vision. 

Thankfully, there are ways you can protect your eyes to prevent eye sunburns from happening in the first place. Your optometrist can also provide additional support so you can get outside safely.

Understanding How the Sun Affects Our Eyes

The sun is a powerful force that influences much of our daily lives, including our vision. While many of us are knowledgeable about the importance of protecting our skin from harsh sun rays, we may forget how damaging they can be to our eyes. 

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause short-term and long-term eye problems, such as the development of eye diseases and conditions and corneal sunburns (photokeratitis). 

It is important to understand how to shield our eyes from this powerful force by wearing sunglasses with appropriate UV protection and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours. By taking these measures, we can safeguard our vision and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer.

How Much UV Exposure Is Too Much for Your Eyes

While some UV exposure is necessary for our bodies to produce vitamin D, it’s important to know the limits on our eyes. How much UV exposure is too much? Well, it depends on a few factors, such as the time of day, geographical location, and your use of protective eyewear. 

The higher in the sky the sun is, the stronger the UV radiation on Earth. So, UV radiation is particularly high close to areas near the equator, like Florida, Thailand, Central America, Australia, and New Zealand (and these last 2 countries are near the hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic). 

UV exposure also is higher in mountainous regions and areas where there is a lot of snow, water, and light-coloured sand that reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure.

It’s recommended to limit direct sun exposure to your eyes, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Experts recommend wearing sunglasses with UV protection and limiting time in direct sunlight during peak hours to safeguard your eyes from unnecessary UV damage.

A woman using her hand to block bright sunlight from hurting her eyes

Common Symptoms of Eye Sunburn & When to Seek Medical Attention

Sunny days were made for fun in the sun, but it’s important to remember to protect our skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. When our eyes are exposed to too much sunshine, it can cause sunburn, which can lead to various symptoms such as:

  • Redness
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Gritty, sand-like feeling  in your eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Headaches
  • Eyelid twitching
  • Swelling

Seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

  • Blurry vision
  • Seeing halos
  • Pinpoint pupils (miosis)
  • Vision loss or colour changes 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate relief by moving into a shaded area and applying a cool compress. Seek recommendations from your optometrist for using artificial tears.

If the discomfort persists for more than a day or 2, it’s time to seek medical attention. An eye doctor can prescribe medications to alleviate your uncomfortable symptoms and prevent complications, such as corneal inflammation or infections.

Protecting Your Eyes from Sun Damage: The Best Methods to Keep Your Eyes Safe

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to many eye problems. The good news is, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to keep our eyes safe

  1. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses that block out at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation. 
  2. Wear a hat or visor to provide additional shade. 
  3. Avoid looking directly at the sun at any time of day.
  4. Wear goggles when swimming or skiing to minimize UV reflection off of water and ice.

Keep Your Vision Intact

As we have seen, the sun’s rays can have a serious effect on our eyesight. Learning how to protect our eyes from the sun can help you maintain optimal vision. To help your eyes stay healthy, limit UV exposure, be mindful of the symptoms of eye sunburns, use protective eyewear in direct sunlight, and invest in lenses with UV protection.

Westmount Optometry in London is dedicated to helping you choose the right protective lenses for your daily needs. Contact us today for an appointment.

Written by Westmount Optometrists

At Westmount Optometrists, we know that eye care goes beyond how well you see. Since 1973, we have been providing quality care to families in London, and we’re happy to see generations stay with us for ongoing care.

Our practice was founded on medical science, compassion, and your continued trust and support. The team at Westmount Optometrists is committed to providing you with the eye care your entire family needs. From comprehensive eye examinations to eye disease diagnosis and management for all ages, we’re here to support your vision.

More Articles By Westmount Optometrists

Frames We Love!

Where To Find Us

At the corner of Springbank Drive and Wonderland Road, our clinic offers plenty of parking out front.

Our Address

  • 585 Springbank Dr.
  • London, ON N6J1H3

Talk to Us

Insurance Providers We Direct Bill

Read Our Blog

What Are RGP Contact Lenses?

Contact Lenses

Navigating the world of contact lenses can be overwhelming, with so many options available. From different styles and types to advanced lens designs, it’s easy to get lost.  Your optometrist can be a valuable guide in this process, helping you find the perfect fit for your vision and lifestyle.  One option to consider is rigid […]

Read More…

August 20, 2024
Westmount Optometrists

What Makes Polarized Sunglasses Unique?

Sunglasses

The sun may be beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. It’s essential to always protect your eyes from UV radiation to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. But if you’ve ever thought about picking up a new pair of sunglasses, you’ve probably noticed words like “polarized” and “non-polarized.” What does this mean? […]

Read More…

June 28, 2024
Dr. David White

How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?

Eye Exams, Eye Health

Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining good vision health and detecting any potential problems early on. The frequency of your eye exams depends on several factors, including age, overall health, and any existing eye conditions. Here are some general guidelines to follow: Children should have their first comprehensive eye examination at 6 months of […]

Read More…

June 25, 2024
Dr. David White
An optometrist talks with a patient about RGP contact lenses

Navigating the world of contact lenses can be overwhelming, with so many options available. From different styles and types to advanced lens designs, it’s easy to get lost.  Your optometrist can be a valuable guide in this process, helping you find the perfect fit for your vision and lifestyle.  One option to consider is rigid […]

Read More…

A young woman outside, smiling and wearing polarized sunglasses, as the sun shines.

The sun may be beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. It’s essential to always protect your eyes from UV radiation to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. But if you’ve ever thought about picking up a new pair of sunglasses, you’ve probably noticed words like “polarized” and “non-polarized.” What does this mean? […]

Read More…

An optometrist fitting a patient with corrective lenses.

Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining good vision health and detecting any potential problems early on. The frequency of your eye exams depends on several factors, including age, overall health, and any existing eye conditions. Here are some general guidelines to follow: Children should have their first comprehensive eye examination at 6 months of […]

Read More…

Follow us on Instagram

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax