Eyes Can Get Sunburned Too: Understanding the Importance of Wearing Sunglasses.

In the intense summer sunlight, ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause serious damage not only to our skin but also to our eyes. The term "ocular sunburn" refers to this type of damage, which occurs when the eyes are exposed to UV rays for prolonged periods. This is akin to "snow blindness" experienced during winter outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding, caused by UV rays reflected off surfaces. In this post, we'll delve into the symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment of ocular sunburn from an expert's perspective.

 

Ocular sunburn is a serious issue that can occur from prolonged exposure to intense summer UV rays.

 

Symptoms of Ocular Sunburn

Symptoms of ocular sunburn can include.

 

• Blurry vision: Vision becomes blurry after exposure to UV rays, making objects appear less distinct.
• Eye twitching: Muscles around the eyes may twitch, making it difficult to blink or move the eyes.
• Sensation of foreign body: Feeling as if there's dust or grit in the eyes, often leading to frequent blinking.
• Seeing spots: Small dots or glare may appear in front of the eyes.
• Pain: Eye pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
• Swelling of the eye or conjunctiva: Eyes may become red and inflamed.
• Watery eyes: Eyes may tear up frequently due to irritation from UV exposure.
• Sensitivity to light: Becoming sensitive to bright light, making it difficult to keep the eyes open.
• Temporary loss of vision: Rarely, temporary loss of vision may occur.

 

In most cases, these symptoms resolve on their own within a day or two. However, if pain persists for more than two days or there are changes in vision, it's crucial to consult a specialist for diagnosis.

 

Long-term Risks of Ocular Sunburn

Repeated ocular sunburns can lead to serious long-term eye damage. Risks such as cataracts and macular degeneration increase, potentially resulting in permanent vision loss. Therefore, prevention of ocular sunburn is paramount.

 

Prevention Methods for Ocular Sunburn

Wearing Sunglasses

The most effective way to protect your eyes from UV rays is by wearing sunglasses. Consider the following when selecting sunglasses.

 

• UV protection: Choose sunglasses labeled "UV400" or higher, which block 99% or more of UV-A and UV-B rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.
• Lens color: The darkness of the lens does not indicate its protective ability. Even light-colored lenses with UV protection offer sufficient protection.
• Design: Choose sunglasses that wrap around the eyes to block UV rays from the sides effectively.
• Protection for children: Ensure children wear sunglasses with UV protection as well.

Wearing a Hat

A wide-brimmed hat can shield the eyes from direct UV exposure. This is especially important during activities near water or at high altitudes.

For Contact Lens Wearers

Even if your contact lenses have UV protection, they may not cover the entire eye, leaving parts exposed to UV rays. Therefore, wearing sunglasses in addition to contact lenses is advisable.

 

Treatment for Ocular Sunburn

If you've experienced ocular sunburn, you can alleviate symptoms at home with the following methods.

 

• Avoid bright light: Rest in a darkened room to minimize eye irritation.
• Cold compress: Applying a cold compress helps reduce eye swelling and pain. Use a clean cloth wrapped around ice and place it gently on the eyes.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort.
• Use artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops keep the eyes moist, reducing foreign body sensation and soothing irritation.
• Remove contact lenses: If you have an ocular sunburn, remove contact lenses immediately and avoid wearing them until your eyes fully recover.

 

Environmental Considerations

• Water's edge: UV rays can reflect off water, increasing exposure. Therefore, extra eye protection is necessary near water bodies.
• High altitudes: UV intensity is higher at higher altitudes, so wearing sunglasses and a hat is crucial.
• Cloudy days: UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so wearing sunglasses regardless of weather conditions is advisable.

 

Conclusion

Ocular sunburn is a serious issue that can occur from prolonged exposure to intense summer UV rays. To prevent it, it's important to wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat. Knowing how to alleviate symptoms at home and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen are crucial steps to safeguarding our eye health. Vigilant care and prevention are essential to maintaining healthy eyes.