

UVC: While these rays have the potential to be the most damaging, nearly all are blocked by the ozone layer.Ĭan the sun damage your eyes while you’re wearing sunglasses? UVB: Any UVB rays that make it through the ozone layer are absorbed by the cornea, which can lead to photokeratitis, pingueculae and pterygia. UVA: Lower-energy UVA rays, which are able to get past the cornea to the lens and retina, have been linked to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. There are several categories of UV rays with differing levels of energy: UVA, UVB and UVC. The sun's UV rays can damage your eyes even when the sky is overcast. The sun is a life-giving force, so how can it be so damaging? How does the sun damage your eyes? Here are some other eye conditions that can result from ultraviolet (UV) exposure: It’s also known as welder's flash, snow blindness and arc eye, though you don’t have to be around welding or snow to get it. Technically, your corneas suffer sun damage through a condition called photokeratitis. Fortunately, not all sun-related eye conditions are permanent.įor example, did you know that your eyes can get sunburned? Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever you are outdoors to help protect your eyes.Ĭontact your eye doctor straight away if you believe you have an eye illness or another serious eye condition.The sun can damage your eyes, even if you don’t realize it. These are referred to as pterygia and pinguecula. Tissue elevations on the surface of your eye are another side effect of prolonged UV exposure. Your chance of getting a cataract or macular degeneration increases if you are exposed to UV rays for an extended period, even in small doses. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may take a few days for your eyes to heal. Your doctor can provide painkillers or antibiotic eye treatments if your diagnosis is sunburned eyes. Therefore, treatment for this ailment is focused on addressing the symptoms to make you feel more comfortable. Photokeratitis typically goes away on its own. Though they could linger anywhere from six to 24 hours, these symptoms typically go away within 48 hours. If you wear contacts, take them out and avoid rubbing your eyes.īelow are the signs and symptoms you might experience if you have UV damage to your eyes: If you start to feel any symptoms, go inside right once. How do you know if the sun has damaged your eyes?

Similar to sunburn, the severity of your symptoms can vary depending on your exposure to UV radiation. It can cause headaches, not to mention photokeratitis. Sun eye damage symptoms will likely include momentary loss of vision or the “halo effect”, where your eyes become very sensitive to light. You can discuss it with your eye doctor during your regular checkup. This can happen from overexposure to UV rays, and while they are removable, it’s not necessary. The spots are a build-up in melanin-producing cells called melanocytes. UV radiation exposure can temporarily damage your cornea and conjunctiva (a layer of tissue covering the inside of your eyelid and the whites of your eye).Įye sunspots, also called eye freckles or surfer’s eye can develop from several factors, including genetic predisposition. Photokeratitis affects the corneas of your eyes.
WILL STARING AT THE SUN DAMAGE YOUR EYES SKIN
Yes, eye sun damage can be as painful as a skin sunburn. This is because the light and radiation are reflected off water, snow, and ice, intensifying your eyes’ exposure to UV radiation.

This condition is common for those who practice sun gazing (a meditation practice of looking directly into the sun) or do water and winter sports. Photokeratitis is a painful but temporary eye condition brought on by overexposure to UV light, causing your corneas to become inflamed. Did you know that your eyes can get sunburned just like any other part of your body? Eye damage from sun overexposure is called photokeratitis.
