Whenever you’re outdoors, make sure that your eyes are protected from being overexposed to the sun. Much like your skin, your eyes can also get sunburned or damaged by the sun’s UV rays — a condition known as photokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis.
To know if your eyes have been overexposed to the sunlight, trusted eye care specialist Vienna Eyecare Center lists the symptoms that you should look out for.
Common Symptoms of Sunburned Eyes
You may not realize it when your eyes are being overexposed to the sun. But generally, if your eyes hurt when you look at an area near the sun, your eyes are likely to have been overexposed to UV rays. You may also experience any of the following symptoms:
- light sensitivity
- blurry vision
- seeing halos
- eyelid twitching
- headache
- gritty feeling in the eyes
- redness or discomfort in the eyes
- temporary loss of vision
Typically, the symptoms of photokeratitis last for one to two days. If they continue for more than 48 hours or if your loss of vision does not improve in a few hours, you should reach out to an eye doctor and ask for their advice.
Treating Sunburned Eyes
As mentioned earlier, sunburned eyes usually get better on their own within two days. That’s why there really is no treatment that targets this condition. However, there are several ways to relieve pain or discomfort and help your eyes heal more quickly. Below are some of the measures that you can take to soothe or prevent further damage to your sunburned eyes:
- Remove your contact lenses in the meantime. Make sure to rest your eyes.
- Place a cool compress over closed eyes.
- Use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent further irritation.
- Ask your doctor if you should have your eyelash extensions removed or not.
If you’re looking for a reliable optometrist, you should visit Vienna Eyecare Center for your optical needs. We offer a range of eye care services, and our staff can ensure your safety and comfort during your appointment with us. Call us at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Fairfax, VA, and the surrounding areas.
