The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage not only to the skin but also to the eyes.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can result in sunburned eyes, also known as photokeratitis. This painful condition can cause temporary vision loss, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is essential to prevent sunburned eyes.
In this article, we will discuss what to do with sunburned eyes, its symptoms, prevention tips, and remedies to help alleviate the discomfort caused by this condition.
10 Sunburned Eye Remedies at Home
Here are ten easy-to-use remedies you can try at home to soothe sunburned eyes.
- Remove contact lenses. Removing your contact lenses if you have sunburned eyes is advisable as they can further irritate your eyes. Contacts can also trap heat and make your eyes feel worse. Switch to glasses, or don’t wear anything for a few days to allow your eyes to heal properly.
- Don’t rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can worsen the symptoms of sunburned eyes and can even lead to corneal abrasions. Instead, use a cold compress or artificial tears to alleviate discomfort.
- Do cold compress. A cold compress can lessen the inflammation and soothe the eyes. Apply a cold, damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your closed eyes for a few minutes throughout the day.
- Buy over-the-counter pain medicine. Over-the-counter pain medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation caused by sunburned eyes. Follow the recommended dosage on the package and consult your physician if you have any questions.
- Use artificial tears or eye drops. Artificial tears or eye drops can help lubricate your eyes and reduce irritation. Use preservative-free drops and apply as often as necessary.
- Wear sunglasses. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to protect your eyes from further damage. Choose wraparound or close-fitting frames to prevent sunlight from entering the eyes from the sides.
- Don’t wear makeup. Makeup can irritate sunburned eyes and make the symptoms worse. Avoid wearing makeup on or near your eyes until your eyes have fully healed.
- Avoid saltwater or chlorinated water in your eyes. Saltwater and chlorinated water can further irritate sunburned eyes. Avoid swimming or any water-related activities until your eyes have fully healed.
- Stay indoors and cool off. Staying indoors and avoiding sunlight can help your eyes heal and reduce discomfort. Use fans or air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable.
- Stay in a dark room. If you’re experiencing extreme sensitivity to light, stay in a dark room until your eyes have fully healed. Close curtains or blinds and turn off any bright lights.
When To Visit A Doctor If You Get Sunburned Eyes?
While most cases of sunburned eyes can be treated with home remedies and healed within a few days, there are times when it is essential to visit a doctor.
If you experience severe pain, extreme sensitivity to light, or a sudden decrease in vision, seek medical attention immediately.
These symptoms may indicate a more severe eye injury or condition, such as corneal ulcers or infections requiring immediate medical attention.
Additionally, if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of home treatment or if they worsen, consult with an eye doctor. In general, it is better to avoid caution and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your eye health.
Don’t let sunburned eyes go untreated – visit Aether Health- SilverLake ER for fast and effective treatment options.
Eye Sunburn Signs And Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of sunburned eyes include redness, irritation, pain, watery eyes, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and the sensation of something in your eye.
- Eye pain. Eye pain is a common symptom of sunburned eyes and can be severe. The pain may feel like a burning or throbbing sensation, increasing with exposure to light or when you move your eyes.
- Headache. Headaches can occur when you have sunburned eyes, and other symptoms like eye pain or sensitivity to light may accompany them. These headaches can range from mild to severe.
- Tearing. Excessive tearing is another symptom of sunburned eyes and can be a response to the irritation caused by UV rays. This symptom can make your eyes uncomfortable and make it difficult to see.
- Redness. Redness is a classic sign of sunburned eyes and can be mild to severe. Your eyes may appear bloodshot, and the whites of your eyes may be inflamed.
- Blurry vision. Blurry vision is another common symptom of sunburned eyes, making it challenging to see things. This symptom may worsen when exposed to bright light.
- Twitching of the eyelid. Twitching of the eyelid is a muscle spasm that can happen in one or both eyes. Sunburned eyes can trigger this symptom, and it can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
- Gritty feeling like sand in your eyes. A gritty feeling like sand in your eyes can occur when you have sunburned eyes. This symptom can make your eyes feel itchy and uncomfortable.
- Swelling in the eyes. Swelling around the eyes is another symptom of sunburned eyes, and it can result from inflammation caused by UV rays. This symptom can make your eyes feel heavy and uncomfortable.
- Sensitivity to bright light. Sunburned eyes can make you sensitive to bright light, causing discomfort and eye pain. This symptom may make it difficult to see or work on the computer for an extended period.
- Seeing halos. Seeing halos around lights is a sign of corneal edema, which sunburned eyes can cause. This condition can cause blurred vision and halos around lights, making it difficult to see clearly.
- Small pupils. Sunburned eyes can cause the pupils to constrict, leading to smaller than normal pupils. The body’s natural response to bright light narrows pupils to protect the eyes. However, if the pupils remain small even in dim light, it may indicate a more severe eye injury or condition that requires medical attention.
- Temporary vision loss or color changes in your vision. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause temporary vision loss or changes in your color vision.
This can be due to damage to the retina, which is part of the eye responsible for processing visual information. If you experience temporary vision loss or color changes in your vision, seek medical attention immediately, as it may indicate a more severe eye injury or condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms of sunburned eyes, such as eye pain or sensitivity to light, head to Aether Health – SilverLake ER immediately for expert medical attention. Contact us today to know more about our services.
What Are The Common Causes Of Sunburned Eyes?
Here are other common causes of sunburned eyes that you must watch out for.
- Sunlight reflection from snow, ice, water, sand, or cement. These surfaces can reflect up to 85% of the UV radiation, increasing the amount of UV exposure to the eyes.
- UV rays exposure. UV radiation is emitted by the sun and can cause sunburned eyes. This is why protecting your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors is essential.
- Lamps used in tanning beds. These lamps emit UV radiation that can cause sunburned eyes and increase the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Laser lights. Lasers emit high-intensity light that can cause damage to the eyes, including sunburned eyes.
- Mercury vapor lamps. These lamps emit UV radiation that can cause damage to the eyes, including sunburned eyes.
- Halogen desk lamps. These lamps emit high levels of visible and infrared light that can cause eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort but are not a common cause of sunburned eyes.
- Lightning. While lightning strikes are rare, they can cause sunburned eyes and other eye injuries.
- Arc welding. Welders are exposed to high levels of visible and ultraviolet light, which can cause damage to the eyes, including sunburned eyes.
- Photographic flood lamps. These lamps emit high-intensity light that can cause damage to the eyes, including sunburned eyes.
Don’t know what to do with sunburned eyes? Head immediately to Aether Health – SilverLake ER in Pearland to get the best medical treatment.
Who Is Most At Risk For Getting Sunburned Eyes?
Everyone who spends time outdoors is at risk of getting sunburned eyes, but some people are more susceptible than others.
People with fair skin and light-colored eyes are more likely to get sunburned eyes as they have less natural protection against UV radiation. Those with certain medical conditions such as dry eye syndrome, cataracts, or macular degeneration are also at an increased risk of developing sunburned eyes.
Additionally, people who spend extended periods outside, particularly near reflective surfaces like snow, water, and sand, are at a higher risk of developing sunburned eyes.
It’s crucial to take preventative measures such as wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and staying in the shade to reduce the risk of sunburned eyes.
How Can You Prevent Sunburned Eyes?
To prevent sunburned eyes, it is vital to take proactive measures to minimize exposure to UV radiation.
Here are five tips on how to prevent sunburned eyes:
- Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your eyes and face from the sun
- Avoid going outside during peak hours of UV radiation, typically between 10 am and 4 pm
- Consider wearing polarized sunglasses if you plan to spend time near water
- Seek medical attention if you find any telling signs of sunburned eyes.
Why Is It Essential To Protect Your Eyes From The Sun?
Protecting your eyes from the sun is essential, as prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause various eye-related health problems.
UV radiation can cause short-term discomforts, such as temporary blindness or sunburned eyes, and long-term damage to the eyes, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of the eyelids. These conditions can lead to permanent vision loss and severely impact your quality of life.
Therefore, taking preventative measures, such as sunglasses, is essential to reduce your risk of developing eye-related health problems due to sun exposure. Protecting your eyes can maintain good eye health and preserve your vision, ultimately improving your overall health and well-being.
Dangers And Long-Term Effects Of Sunburned Eyes
The impact of sunburned eyes may be long-term and permanent. Here are the dangers of sunburned eyes that you need to avoid.
- Cataracts. Clouding the eye’s lens can cause vision loss and blindness over time.
- Macular degeneration. A condition that causes the center of your visual field to become distorted or blurry.
- Eyelid cancer. A type of skin cancer that can form on the eyelid and surrounding areas due to sun exposure.
- Photokeratitis. Also known as “snow blindness,” it is a painful condition that results from sunburned eyes and can cause temporary vision loss.
- Pterygium. A growth of tissue on the white of the eye that can impair vision and require surgery to remove.
Your vision is too important to risk – if you have sunburned eyes which can be a minor emergency, make your way to Aether Health – SilverLake ER as soon as possible for professional care.
Seek Immediate Treatment For Severe Sunburned Eyes
Sunburned eyes can be a painful and uncomfortable condition that can cause long-term damage if left untreated.
However, several effective home remedies can help alleviate symptoms, such as using cold compresses and artificial tears and avoiding rubbing your eyes or wearing makeup.
Additionally, taking steps to prevent sunburned eyes, such as wearing protective eyewear and avoiding exposure to UV rays, is crucial to maintaining healthy vision.
If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of sunburned eyes, seeking medical attention from a healthcare professional is vital.
Medical Emergency Care For Sunburned Eyes In Pearland
If you are experiencing symptoms of sunburned eyes in Pearland, TX, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to your eyes.
Aether Health – SilverLake ER is a trusted emergency medical facility in Pearland that immediately treats various conditions, including sunburned eyes.
Our team of experienced medical professionals utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and treatment methods to care for our patients effectively.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – if you suspect you may have sunburned eyes, visit Aether Health – SilverLake ER for prompt and professional medical attention.
