Sun Burned Eyes

Written By Hunter Anderson

Photokeratitis is the damage to the eye caused by UV rays. The main source of UV
rays is sunlight and sunburned eyes is caused by the reflection of the sun off of
sand, water, ice, and snow. There are also many manmade sources of UV light that
can be damaging to the eye, such as welding and tanning lamps.

Symptoms:

  • Pain

  • Redness

  • Tearing

  • Blurriness

  • Gritty feeling

  • Sensitivity to bright light

  • Headaches

The longer the eye is exposed to UV rays the more severe the symptoms are
manifested.

Treatments

Photokeratitis of the eye will heal on its own; the treatment focus is to ease your
pain while the eye is healing.

  • If wearing contacts remove immediately

  • Go to a dark room

  • Apply a cold washcloth over the closed eyelids

  • Apply artificial tears

  • Use eye drop antibiotics/ pain relievers prescribed by your local eye doctor

  • Avoid rubbing eyes

Prevention

To help prevent photo keratitis, wear eye protection that blocks UV light, such as
welding helmets and sunglasses/goggles that block ninety-nine percent of UV rays.

If you feel that you are suffering from photokeratities or any other eye disease
please call Anderson Family Vision today 406-587-8333.

Written by: Joshua Francis June 23, 2020

Hunter Anderson
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