Like the skin, eyes exposed to the sun for too long can get “sunburn” or “photokeratitis”. Light eyes are particularly at risk. Warning symptoms, treatment, best glasses to avoid it…
The UV rays emitted by the sun are not without dangers for the eyes. And if you don’t wear glasses or if they don’t have a sufficient protection factor, UV rays can attack the eye and burn the cornea: this is called sunburn of the eye or photokeratitis. This eye injury can cause corneal pain, redness, itching, tearing of the eye or even blurred vision. What can be the consequences for the eye and sight? How to treat a sunburn of the eye? Which eyes are most at risk?
What is an eye sunburn?
Sunburn of the eye, also called photokeratitis, is similar to skin sunburn. “It’s about a ocular surface damage. The whole eye (eyelid, retina, cornea, lens) suffers from this burn caused by the UV rays emitted by the sun“, defines Valérie Rubio, optician with a General Optics diploma and specialist in optics for children. This can occur during sunbathing, activity on the beach, swimming in the sea, a boat trip, a hike in the mountains or on the ski slopes for example.
What are the symptoms ? Red, swollen eyes?
Sunburn of the eye is responsible for several symptoms that usually appear between 3 and 12 hours after exposure under the sun :
- Red eyes.
- Eyes that weep a lot.
- Swollen eyes.
- Itchy or painful eyes.
- A foreign body sensation in the eye.
- Sometimes blurred vision.
What are the causes ?
The sunburn of the eye occurs after exposure to unprotected UV rays from the sun. Sun exposure of 20 minutes for the most sensitive people can be enough to cause a corneal burn, hence the importance of wearing sunglasses with a sufficient level of protection. Ask your optician for advice so that he can best determine the level of sun protection, according to your activities and your needs.
Who are the people most at risk?
“people with fair skin and blue eyes are most at risk of sunburn of the skin, but also of the eye. Babies and young children are also more sensitive to the sun because their lens does not filter UV. The filtering power only beginsfrom the age of 12 and is fully effective by the age of 20. People who have vision problems (with myopia for example), however, do not have a greater risk of sunburning the eye. Their lens is not thinner or more sensitive compared to people without vision problems“, says our interlocutor.
What are the consequences in case of sunburn of the eye?
A sunburn of the eye can be cured and be reversible, if it is taken care of in time and if we act quickly. On the other hand, if neglected, it can lead to serious effects such as:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Chronic dry eye”which may seem trivial, but which in reality is very restrictive on a daily basis. At the level of the pain scale, the pain of dry eye is associated with that of angina“, specifies Valérie Rubio.
- Eye melanoma (cancer)
- A cataract
What to do if you have a sunburn in the eye?
If you think you have photokeratitis after sun exposure without protection, get right inside (ideally a dark room) or in the shade and refresh your eyes with a clean cloth soaked in cold water or a mask filled with gel placed in a cool place for a few minutes (there are some in pharmacies or in beauty or hygiene stores). Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes to minimize the risk of infection and irritation. “THE people who wear contact lenses should no longer wear them and trade them for glasses until complete recovery“, advises our interlocutor. Finally, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible until the sunburn has healed and the tissues of the eye have not completely repaired.
When and who to consult?
If, after exposure to the sun (by boat, at sea, in the mountains…), you observe the appearance of the symptoms mentioned above, “it is best to consult an ophthalmologist so that he examines the cornea of the eye and assesses the extent of the burn (if deep tissue has been damaged for example). Depending on the clinical signs and the severity of the sunburn, he may prescribe an appropriate treatment.“, specifies Valérie Rubio.
In most cases, sunburn of the eye is reversible. Sometimes not, if the deep tissues are well damaged. In all cases, “only a doctor, such as a general practitioner or an ophthalmologist can prescribe an appropriate treatment to treat sunburn. A disinfectant will often be prescribed to disinfect the eye and prevent infections“, indicates the optician. Similarly, an antibiotic gel reduces the risk of eye infection. “The doctor may also prescribe an ophthalmic gel containing vitamin A Or healing eye dropstwo products that will help heal and regenerate damaged tissue“, she continues. Painkillers (paracetamol) can help relieve symptoms.
Prevention is the best way to avoid getting sunburned eyes.
- Avoid exposing yourself to the sun, especially at times when the sun is most aggressive (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). If you have no choice, try to shelter under an umbrella or in a shady spot.
- Always wear a hat with wide brims or a cap if you are in the sun, this does not provide 100% protection but will limit UV damage to the eyes.
- Always wear sunglasses “with a good protection index (from 3 at least4 for children or if you go to the mountains or to the sea), with glasses wearing CE marking which certifies European conformity and which are really effective in filtering UV rays. In addition, the glasses must have a well enveloping frame to protect against UV rays which are reflected on the sand, on the water, on the snow or even on the grass and which can reach the eyes through the bottom of the glasses or from the sides“, insists Valérie Rubio. Finally, do not confuse the tint of the lenses and the level of protection : “Glasses with dark lenses do not necessarily guarantee a good level of protection. The protection category is indicated on the lens or on the temples, ask your optician for advice.”
- Children’s eyes, especially under the age of 12, are particularly sensitive to the sun’s rays, so it is essential that parents wear suitable sunglasses (with a protection level of 4) as soon as they are exposed.
Thanks to Valérie Rubio, General Optics graduate optician and specialist in children’s optics.