Understanding Temporary Sun Blindness: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Learn about the causes, symptoms, complications, and prevention of temporary sun blindness, including essential tips for protecting your eyes.

What Is Temporary Sun Blindness?
Temporary sun blindness refers to a reversible loss or disturbance of vision resulting from exposure to intense sunlight or artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Medically known as photokeratitis, this condition essentially means your eyes have suffered a type of sunburn.
In most cases, vision loss is not permanent, but symptoms can be very uncomfortable and concerning. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and ways to protect your vision is crucial for anyone who spends time outdoors, works around bright lights, or participates in activities such as snow sports, boating, or welding.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Temporary Sun Blindness?
The symptoms of temporary sun blindness can vary in severity depending on the duration and intensity of exposure to UV light. Most symptoms appear between six and twelve hours after exposure and may include:
- Urge to squint or close your eyes
- Painful burning sensation in the eyes
- Excessive tearing (watering eyes)
- Temporary loss of vision or blurred vision
- Seeing bright spots, flashes, or halos
- Seeing dark spots, blotches, or floaters
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Temporary color blindness or color distortion
- Redness and swelling of the eyes or eyelids
- Sensitivity to bright light
In some cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by headaches or eyelid twitching. Symptoms typically resolve in 24–72 hours, but medical attention is advised if vision loss persists or symptoms are severe.
What Causes Temporary Sun Blindness?
Several factors can contribute to the onset of this condition. Here are the most common causes:
1. Environmental Exposure to Sunlight
About 95% of ultraviolet A (UVA) and 5% of ultraviolet B (UVB) from the sun reach Earth’s surface and can damage the sensitive tissues of the eyes. Even brief, unprotected exposure to intense sunlight can cause photokeratitis, also called sunburned eyes.
Staring directly at the sun, especially during events like a solar eclipse, can cause a specific form of retinal damage, known as solar retinopathy, which may lead to temporary or rarely permanent vision loss.
2. UV Rays Reflected by Surfaces
Sunlight can be intensified by certain surfaces, increasing the risk of eye injury:
- Snow: Causes snow blindness, a type of photokeratitis resulting from intense reflection of UV rays off snow, especially at high altitudes.
- Water: Boating or watersports can expose eyes to powerful UV reflections.
- White sand and other shiny surfaces: Similar reflective effects on the eyes.
3. Man-Made Sources of UV Radiation
- Welding arcs (arc eye or welder’s flash): Intense light emitted during welding can cause acute eye injury if protective equipment is not used.
- Tanning booths and sun lamps: Artificial UV sources can harm the eye, sometimes more rapidly than natural sunlight.
- Laser lights
4. Head Trauma and Related Neurological Causes
Head injuries, including concussions, can cause temporary vision changes or light sensitivity. Studies show that about 43% of people report light sensitivity after a head injury, contributing to episodes of sun blindness when exposed to bright light.
5. Underlying Eye Conditions
- Acute glaucoma
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal inflammation (keratitis)
- Uveitis (inflammation of the uveal tract)
These eye problems may heighten sensitivity to sunlight and make symptoms of temporary sun blindness more likely, or more severe.
Acute vs. Chronic Sun Blindness: Possible Complications
The majority of sun blindness cases are temporary and resolve on their own without significant long-term effects. However, repeated or severe exposures can cause cumulative damage. Complications may include:
- Permanent vision loss (rare but possible)
- Increased risk for cataracts due to chronic UV exposure
- Eye pain and irritation
- Anxiety or reluctance to go outside, especially in bright light
- Increased risk of falls or accidents due to impaired vision
- Reduced quality of life from persistent symptoms
Chronic exposure to UV light can also accelerate the development of other eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and pterygium (growth on the eye’s surface).
Diagnosing Sun Blindness: How Do Doctors Evaluate It?
If you experience symptoms and they do not subside after one to two days or are particularly severe, a visit to an eye care professional is warranted. The evaluation may include:
- A thorough eye exam to assess vision and inspect the cornea
- Fluorescein dye test to identify corneal surface damage
- Assessment for underlying conditions (glaucoma, infection, inflammation)
Early medical attention ensures that more serious conditions are ruled out and the right course of treatment is started.
Treating Temporary Sun Blindness
There is no uniform treatment protocol for temporary sun blindness, as the condition usually resolves on its own within one to three days. However, several measures can help ease symptoms and promote healing:
- Get out of sunlight immediately: Move indoors or into shaded areas to prevent further injury.
- Remove contact lenses: Do not wear them until your symptoms resolve.
- Apply a cool, damp cloth over closed eyelids for comfort.
- Use artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops help to relieve dryness and irritation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease discomfort and headaches.
- Prescription medications: In severe cases, a doctor may recommend steroid eye drops to control inflammation or cycloplegics to relax eye muscles.
If vision loss, pain, or irritation persists beyond 48–72 hours, consult an eye care provider to prevent complications such as infections or chronic inflammation.
How Can You Prevent Sun Blindness?
Prevention is the best strategy to avoid the discomfort and risks of temporary sun blindness. Consider these expert-recommended tips:
- Always wear polarized sunglasses with 99%–100% UVA and UVB protection.
- Add a wide-brimmed hat or use umbrellas for added shade, especially in bright environments.
- If you work with welding equipment, always use certified welding helmets and safety goggles.
- Use UV-blocking snow goggles when skiing, mountaineering, or doing other snow sports.
- Engage in water activities with wrap-around sunglasses with photochromic lenses.
- Avoid tanning beds and other artificial sources of UV.
- For solar eclipses, use only approved eclipse glasses—regular sunglasses, binoculars, or naked eyes are unsafe for direct sun viewing.
- Never stare directly at the sun, even with most sunglasses.
Sunglasses and protective gear should be certified for UV protection—check labels for compliance with standards, especially if you frequently spend time outside in sunny or reflective environments.
At a Glance: Comparison Table of Sun Blindness Types
Type | Common Cause | Key Symptoms | Duration | Prevention |
---|---|---|---|---|
Snow Blindness | UV radiation reflected from snow | Pain, tearing, blurry vision, halos | 24–72 hours | Snow goggles with UV protection |
Welder’s Flash (Arc Eye) | Unprotected exposure to welding torch | Pain, gritty feeling, red eyes, tearing | 24–48 hours | Welding helmets and goggles |
Solar Retinopathy | Staring at the sun/solar eclipse | Central vision loss, floaters, flashes | Days to months (may be permanent) | Do not look at sun directly; use eclipse glasses |
Photokeratitis | Natural or artificial UV sources | Pain, redness, blurriness, tearing | 24–72 hours | Sunglasses/UVA/UVB eye protection |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between photokeratitis and solar retinopathy?
Photokeratitis is a superficial damage to the cornea caused by acute exposure to UV light, whereas solar retinopathy refers to damage of the retina due to direct sun-gazing or viewing a solar eclipse without adequate protection. Photokeratitis usually heals quickly, while solar retinopathy may cause lingering or permanent vision problems.
How soon do symptoms of sun blindness appear, and when do they resolve?
Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve hours after exposure and, in uncomplicated cases, resolve within 24–72 hours. If symptoms persist longer, a doctor should be consulted.
Should I see a doctor for sun blindness?
If symptoms are severe, vision loss persists, or if you have pain that does not improve after two days, it’s important to seek evaluation from an eye care professional to rule out more serious issues.
Are children and pets at risk?
Yes, children and animals are especially vulnerable as they may not recognize or react to intense sunlight. Protective measures (hats, sunglasses, shaded areas) are advised for all age groups.
Can sun blindness cause permanent damage?
The vast majority of cases resolve without permanent effects. However, repeated or extremely intense exposure can cause chronic eye disease or rare permanent vision loss. The best practice is consistent UV eye protection.
Key Takeaways for Eye Safety
- Temporary sun blindness is nearly always preventable via proper eye protection.
- Be alert to symptoms like pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity, especially after time in bright environments.
- If you notice lasting changes in vision after sun or UV exposure, see an ophthalmologist promptly.
- Invest in quality sunglasses and don’t skip eye protection for work, play, or leisure.
Long-term eye health depends on regular protection from UV rays. Making protective habits routine is the best way to avoid the discomfort and risks of sun blindness—enjoy the outdoors safely!
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/temporary-sun-blindness
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/solar-retinopathy
- https://associatedretinaconsultants.com/photokeratitis-causes-symptoms-and-relief/
- https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/photokeratitis_ultraviolet_uv_burn_arceye_snowblin
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15763-photokeratitis
- https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/post/photokeratitis-causes-symptoms-treatment
- https://www.warbyparker.com/learn/photokeratitis
- https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/what-is-snow-blindness
- https://www.myeyephysicians.com/eye-care/sunburned-eyes-photokeratitis/
Read full bio of Sneha Tete