Sunburned Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent sunburned eyes to protect your vision from harmful UV exposure.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent sunburned eyes to protect your vision from harmful UV exposure.

Sunburned Eyes: What Happens When Your Eyes Get Too Much Sun

The eyes, like all skin and tissue, are susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. While most people know the dangers of sunburnt skin, fewer realize that sunburned eyes are not only possible but can be painful and potentially dangerous. This condition is called photokeratitis, and it can occur rapidly with intense or prolonged UV exposure.

What Is Photokeratitis (Sunburned Eyes)?

Photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn of the cornea—the transparent front surface of your eye—which occurs after excessive exposure to UV light.^* This acute injury can happen after being in the sun for an extended period without eye protection, but also after exposure to artificial sources of UV like welding arcs, tanning beds, or sunlamps.^*

Photokeratitis is sometimes referred to as snow blindness when it results from sun reflecting off snow and ice.
It can also occur around water, sand, at high altitudes, or from direct and reflected UV exposure.

How Do You Get Sunburned Eyes?

Your eyes are vulnerable to UV radiation in a variety of common environments and circumstances:

Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure on bright, sunny days, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Reflected UV: Surfaces like snow, ice, water, sand, and even concrete strongly reflect sunlight, increasing UV penetration.
High Altitudes: The atmosphere is thinner and absorbs less UV radiation; thus, mountaineers and skiers have higher risk.
Artificial Sources: Arc welding, tanning beds, and some lamps emit dangerous UV levels.

**Common Sources of UV Exposure Leading to Sunburned Eyes**
Source	Risk Level	Preventive Measure
Direct midsummer sun	High	Sunglasses/hats
Snow/Ice (reflection)	Very High	Wraparound sunglasses/goggles
Water (reflection)	High	Polarized sunglasses
Arc welding	Extremely High	Welding shields/special goggles
Tanning beds/lamps	High	Protective eyewear

Recognizing the Symptoms: How Do You Know If Your Eyes Are Sunburned?

The symptoms of sunburned eyes can begin within hours of exposure. They may include:

Pain or burning sensation in the eyes
Redness or bloodshot appearance
Watery eyes (excessive tearing)
Gritty feeling or sense of having sand in your eyes
Blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
Swelling of the eyelids
Headache
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

In severe cases, you may notice:

Difficulty opening your eyes due to discomfort
Temporary vision loss (almost always reversible)
Blisters on the eyelids

How Quickly Do Symptoms Appear?

Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of exposure but can take up to 24 hours to develop fully. Typically, the eyes start to feel uncomfortable or painful first, followed by redness and blurred vision.^*

Risks of Untreated Sunburned Eyes

Most cases resolve within 24–48 hours with no permanent damage.
Repeated or severe cases, and lack of treatment, can lead to complications such as corneal scarring and—in the long term—early cataracts or macular degeneration.

Persistent symptoms (lasting more than 48 hours) or worsening pain and vision changes may indicate serious injury and require prompt evaluation by an eye care professional.^*

What to Do If You Have Sunburned Eyes

If you suspect your eyes have been sunburned, prompt but gentle home care can usually help relieve symptoms:

Remove yourself from UV exposure: Move indoors or to a shaded area immediately.
Do not rub your eyes: Rubbing increases irritation and risk of infection.
Apply cold compresses: Use a clean, damp washcloth or a wrapped ice pack over closed eyelids for 5–10 minutes at a time to reduce discomfort and swelling.
Use artificial tears: Preservative-free lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness and discomfort.
Wear sunglasses indoors: If light worsens symptoms, protect your eyes from bright lights as you heal.
Consider over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and headache.
Avoid contact lenses: Remove them until your eyes have healed, as they may increase irritation.

Do not use “redness relief” eye drops. These can worsen irritation and do not treat the underlying condition.

When to See a Doctor

If pain, redness, or vision problems persist beyond 48 hours
Loss of vision, severe swelling, or blisters
History of eye conditions or recent eye surgery

An eye doctor can diagnose photokeratitis using a slit-lamp exam and prescribe stronger medications, such as topical steroids or antibiotic drops, if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sunburned Eyes

How long does it take for sunburned eyes to heal?

Most cases resolve within 24 to 48 hours if additional UV exposure is avoided and supportive care begins quickly. Severe or untreated cases may take longer, and consultation with an eye doctor is advised if no improvement occurs after two days.

Can you go blind from sunburned eyes?

Photokeratitis almost never causes permanent blindness. However, severe or repeated episodes can cause lasting damage if left untreated or if the cornea develops scarring.

Is sunburn of the eyes contagious?

No, sunburned eyes are not contagious. The condition is caused by UV radiation, not by bacteria or viruses.

Can your eyelids get sunburned too?

Yes, eyelid skin is thin and especially vulnerable to sunburn. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and, in severe cases, fluid-filled blisters.

Can children get sunburned eyes?

Yes. Children’s eyes are more at risk for long-term sun damage because their lenses are clearer, allowing more UV to penetrate the eye. Children should always wear UV-blocking sunglasses and hats in the sun.

How to Prevent Sunburned Eyes

Preventing sunburned eyes is straightforward with the right precautions:

Wear sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels stating “UV400” or “100% UV protection.” Wraparound styles offer the best shield.
Use hats or visors with brims for additional protection, especially for children and people spending extra time outdoors.
Wear goggles when skiing or snowboarding or when on/in the water for prolonged periods.
Be aware of reflective environments—water, sand, snow, and concrete all increase UV exposure even on cloudy days.
Nix tanning beds entirely; always use protective eyewear for any exposure to artificial UV light.
Check the UV index in your weather app and avoid peak hours when possible.

Potential Long-term Risks of UV Exposure to Eyes

Even if sunburn heals, repeated unprotected sun exposure can increase your risk for:

Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to impaired vision.
Macular degeneration: A leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
Pterygium and pinguecula: Non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva that can distort vision.
Photoconjunctivitis: Sunburn of the conjunctiva (the thin film covering the white of the eye).

Takeaway and Expert Advice

Sunburned eyes can be uncomfortable, but most cases resolve fully with simple at-home care. To minimize your risk, wear UV-blocking sunglasses year-round, use hats, and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct and reflected sunlight. Always supervise children near water, snow, or high altitudes, and educate family members on the importance of eye protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can my eyes get sunburned even if it is cloudy outside?

A: Yes, UV rays penetrate clouds. Always wear protective sunglasses even on overcast days.

Q: What should I do if I think I have sunburned eyes?

A: Remove yourself from sunlight, cool your eyes with compresses, use artificial tears, and avoid makeup or contact lenses until healed. Seek medical care if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or are severe.

Q: Are all sunglasses protective against UV?

A: Not all sunglasses offer UV protection. Choose sunglasses labeled to block 99–100% of UVA and UVB or “UV400.” Tint alone does not guarantee UV blocking.

Q: Is sunburned eyes dangerous for children?

A: Children are particularly vulnerable to UV damage and should always wear properly fitted sunglasses outdoors.

Q: Can sunscreen protect my eyes from getting sunburned?

A: Sunscreen is for skin use and should not be applied directly to the eyes. Use UV-blocking sunglasses and hats for ocular protection instead.

Q: Can sunburned eyes cause permanent vision problems?

A: Most cases heal fully. Persistent, repeated, or severe injuries can increase the risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions later in life.

Protecting your eyes from UV radiation is as important as protecting your skin. If you experience symptoms of photokeratitis, prompt care and prevention are key to preserving your long-term vision health.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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