Can your eyeballs get sunburned

At the same time, be mindful of keeping your eyes shut as much as possible. On the whole, your eyes are sensitive organs that can get sunburned if you expose yourself excessively to UV rays. The condition of sunburned eyes called photokeratitis normally disappears by itself after a few days.

On the one hand, excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to unfavorable symptoms of sunburned eyes in the short run.

On the other hand, in the long run, if your exposure to UV rays continue, severe medical conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and eyelid cancer can occur. Therefore, be mindful of always protecting your eyes from the sun, especially when you are on a high mountain or high ground in which thin air and strong UV rays are. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content When it comes to sunburned eyes, you might have the following questions on your mind: What exactly are sunburned eyes?

In rare cases, there might be some lasting damage from eye sunburn. You should consider visiting your optician if you experience any of the following symptoms, as these could be an indication of more serious damage:.

Although sunburned eyes are usually harmless, there can sometimes be long-term effects which come with repeated photokeratitis over a number of years.

Recurring corneal damage from UV rays might lead to cancer, macular degeneration or severely dry eyes , all of which pose a risk to your overall vision and eye health.

Over-exposure to the sun can also bring on the development of cataracts earlier than they might have otherwise occurred, impairing your vision further. Cataracts require surgical removal and, without treatment, can progress to a level which renders you legally blind. The best thing to do is invest in proper sunglasses as prevention is much better than treatment in these cases. X Covid update: Most of our clinics are open - Click for further info.

Mr Mrs Miss Dr. The bright light from an arc welder is so powerful it can result in photokeratitis. Wear your mask and protective gear to protect your eyes from the light and debris that may fly in your direction as you work. There are a lot of good reasons to avoid tanning beds in general. Even man-made lights can create a sunburn on the surface of your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology AAO lists the following symptoms as signs that you may have a sunburn on your eyes.

If you wear contacts, be sure to take them out. Even though sunburns on your skin and eyes tend to fade on their own, lasting damage could appear as a result of repeat or excessive exposure. UV-blocking sunglasses are your best bet to avoid photokeratitis while you enjoy the outdoors. By Bobby Boland , Contributing Writer.

May 24, Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Members Members. Eyewear and Wellness. Ask an Eye Doctor. Sunburned Eyes. Wearing protective eyewear is an essential for summer. There are a lot of great stylish sunglasses to choose from that can protect your eyes while keeping you looking great.

Larger frames will always protect more of your face so consider oversized styles for prolonged exposure. Also, when shopping for sunglasses, the most important feature to keep in mind is full UV coverage.