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Photokeratitis: Can Your Eyes Get Sunburnt?

Learn about photokeratitis, the sunburn of the eyes, from our optometrist. Understand causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies.

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Photokeratitis: Can Your Eyes Get Sunburnt? Optometrist
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Amplify EyeCare optometrists have often come across patients who were not aware that the sun could potentially harm their eyes. It's not widely known, but just as your skin can get sunburnt, so too can your eyes, this is especially true for children who are more susceptible to photokeratitis. This condition is called photokeratitis.

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Protecting Your Child’s Eyes From The Sun

According to the World Health Organization, a child will have received 80% of their lifelong UV exposure from the sun by the age of 18. Children are more at risk due to the lack of filtering present in their eye, as well as the increased likelihood of them looking for extended periods of time in the sun. It is important to ensure that your child is wearing UV protection and understands the danger of excessive exposure to the sun.

What is Photokeratitis?

Photokeratitis is a condition that results from the eyes' overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. In layman's terms, photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn but occurs in the eyes. Some might even call it a snow blindness, as it frequently happens in snowy environments where the UV rays reflect off the white surface and into the eyes. However, this doesn't mean it only happens in the snow. Photokeratitis can occur anywhere as long as the eyes are exposed to intense UV radiation without appropriate protection.

What causes Photokeratitis?

What causes Photokeratitis?

Photokeratitis is primarily caused by exposure to UV radiation. This exposure can harm the cornea, the eye's front surface, leading to symptoms similar to sunburn but affecting the eyes. Below, we delve deeper into the causes and risk factors associated with this condition:

Primary Causes

  • Natural Sunlight: The most common source of UV radiation, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds.
  • Reflected Light: UV rays reflecting off snow, water, sand, or even concrete significantly increase the risk of exposure.
  • Artificial Sources: Exposure to artificial sources of UV light, such as welding torches, tanning beds, or certain types of lamps, without proper eye protection.

Risk Factors

  • High Altitude: UV exposure increases at higher elevations, making activities like skiing or mountain climbing riskier for eye health.
  • Lack of Proper Eye Protection: Not wearing sunglasses or goggles that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Medications: Certain medications can increase sensitivity to UV light, heightening the risk of photokeratitis.
  • Surfaces with High Reflectivity: Being near highly reflective surfaces without adequate eye protection multiplies the chances of UV damage.
  • Duration of Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection significantly raises the likelihood of developing photokeratitis.
  • Previous Eye Conditions: Individuals with existing eye conditions or damage may be more susceptible to photokeratitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Photokeratitis?

What Are the Symptoms of Photokeratitis?

Recognizing the symptoms of photokeratitis can help you seek timely treatment and prevent potential permanent damage. Common symptoms include:

  • Sensitivity to Light: Suddenly, your living room lamp feels as glaring as a spotlight.
  • Redness: Your eyes might look as if you haven't slept in days, with a pronounced red tint.
  • Pain and Discomfort: It can range from a gritty sensation, like there's sand in your eyes, to outright pain.
  • Tearing Up: Your eyes might water more than usual, as if you're chopping onions non-stop.
  • Blurry Vision: It might get hard to focus on texts or objects, as if you're looking through a fogged-up window.
  • Temporary Vision Loss: In severe cases, you might experience a frightening loss of vision, though this is usually temporary.
  • Swelling of the Eyelids: Your eyelids might puff up, feeling tender to the touch, as if you've had an allergic reaction.
  • Headache: A relentless headache can accompany the eye discomfort, adding to the overall distress.
  • Feeling of Something in the Eye: You might constantly feel like there's something in your eye that you can't remove, leading to persistent discomfort.
  • Conjunctival Changes: The white part of your eye might show changes, such as small bumps or increased visibility of small blood vessels.
  • Photophobia: An extreme sensitivity to light where even normal indoor lighting seems unbearably bright.

These symptoms typically develop within a few hours post-exposure to the UV light source. It's your eyes telling you they're injured and need care. Ignoring these signs can lead to further discomfort, and while photokeratitis is usually temporary, immediate actions can alleviate symptoms faster.

If you're experiencing these symptoms and suspect you might have photokeratitis, we advise you to seek immediate attention from your eye care professional.

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Photokeratitis Treatment

Photokeratitis Treatment

Once photokeratitis occurs, the primary goal is to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. The discomfort, while temporary, can be intense, but with proper care, most people recover fully without long-term damage. Here's how to manage the condition effectively:

  • Rest Your Eyes: Minimize exposure to bright lights by staying in a dimly lit environment. This can reduce pain and sensitivity while your eyes heal.
  • Cold Compresses: Apply cold compresses to your closed eyelids. This can help reduce swelling, discomfort, and inflammation.
  • Lubricate Your Eyes: Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation and provide relief. Avoid eye drops that whiten the eyes, as these can irritate sensitive eyes further.
  • Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Although it might be tempting, rubbing can aggravate the irritation and delay healing.
  • Sunglasses Indoors: If your eyes are highly sensitive to light during recovery, wearing sunglasses indoors can help ease photophobia.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain. However, it’s important to use them as directed and consult with a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Remove Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately to prevent further irritation. Wait until your symptoms have completely resolved before using them again.

When to See an Optometrist

It’s crucial to consult with an optometrist if:

  • Your symptoms do not improve within 48 hours.
  • You experience severe pain, significant light sensitivity, or vision changes.
  • You suspect the photokeratitis is due to artificial light sources like welding torches, as this can indicate more severe injury.

An optometrist can provide a comprehensive examination, confirm the diagnosis, and may prescribe additional treatments such as antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection or steroid drops to reduce inflammation. They can also offer tailored advice for your situation, ensuring a safe and speedy recovery.

Long-Term Management

After recovery, continue to protect your eyes from UV exposure to prevent recurrence. Regular eye exams can help monitor any long-term effects and maintain overall eye health. Education on the risks of UV light and adopting protective habits can make a significant difference in preventing future cases of photokeratitis.

By taking immediate action and implementing these management strategies, you can mitigate the discomfort of photokeratitis and help your eyes recover more comfortably. Remember, proactive protection is the best defense against photokeratitis, ensuring your eyes stay healthy and resilient against the challenges of UV exposure.

Is Photokeratitis Permanent?

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Is photokeratitis permanent?" While it can cause severe discomfort, photokeratitis usually does not cause permanent damage. The cornea usually heals itself within 24 to 48 hours. However, repeated exposure leading to chronic photokeratitis can cause long-term damage and contribute to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration

Alternative Names for Photokeratitis

Photokeratitis is known by several alternative names, which often refer to the circumstances that typically cause the condition. Some of these include:

Snow Blindness: This term is used due to the common occurrence of photokeratitis in snowy environments, where UV rays reflect off the snow, causing intense exposure to the eyes.

Arc Eye: This term is often used in industrial settings, as it refers to photokeratitis caused by exposure to the intense light produced by welding arcs.

Ultraviolet Keratitis: This name refers directly to the cause of the condition, which is overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation.

Welder's Flash or Welder's Burn: Similar to 'Arc Eye,' these terms are often used in the context of occupational exposure, specifically in welding, where workers may be exposed to high levels of UV light.

Remember, regardless of the term used, all these conditions refer to the same issue: damage to the cornea due to overexposure to UV light.

What causes Photokeratitis?
What Are the Symptoms of Photokeratitis?

Snow Blindness: A Common Form of Photokeratitis

Snow blindness is a striking example of how nature's beauty can pose risks to our health, particularly our eyes. This condition, a specific form of photokeratitis, occurs when the eyes are exposed to reflected UV rays from snow or ice. Given the reflective efficiency of snow, which can bounce back as much as 80% of UV rays, the risk of snow blindness is significantly high in snowy environments, even on cloudy days.

Why Snow Blindness Occurs

  • High Altitude: UV exposure increases with altitude. Snowy terrains, often found at higher elevations, intensify the risk of UV damage.
  • Increased UV Reflection: Snow's reflective surface amplifies UV radiation, making it more potent than direct sunlight.
  • Lack of Eye Protection: Many are unaware of the need for protective eyewear in snowy conditions, leaving their eyes vulnerable to UV damage.

Recognizing Snow Blindness

Symptoms of snow blindness mirror those of general photokeratitis but might be more intense due to the high levels of UV reflection:

  • Intense pain and burning in the eyes
  • A feeling of grit or sand in the eyes
  • Extreme sensitivity to light
  • Excessive tearing and redness
  • Temporary vision loss or blurriness
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Common Questions

Yes, the whites of your eyes, known as the sclera, can get sunburned, although it's more common for the cornea and conjunctiva to be affected by UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight without adequate eye protection can lead to a condition known as photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn of the eyes. It's crucial to wear sunglasses with UV protection, especially in environments with increased UV exposure like beaches or snowy terrains. If someone suspects their eyes have been sunburned, they should seek advice from an optometrist or eye doctor to ensure proper care.
Absolutely. Prolonged or intense exposure to UV radiation from the sun can damage the cornea, leading to photokeratitis or corneal sunburn. This damage can result in pain, vision disturbances, and other symptoms. While the cornea has a remarkable ability to heal, repeated sun damage can increase the risk of more severe eye conditions in the future. To prevent such damage, one should always wear UV-protective sunglasses during prolonged sun exposure.
Photokeratitis, often described as a sunburn of the eyes, is typically a temporary condition. Symptoms can be painful and distressing but usually resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, it's recommended to avoid further sun exposure, rest the eyes, and avoid bright lights. If the pain is severe or if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, it would be wise to consult an optometrist.
Diagnosis of photokeratitis involves a thorough examination by an eye doctor. The patient's history, especially recent exposure to intense UV light or sunlight without proper eye protection, can be a telling indicator. The eye doctor might use a slit lamp, a device that shines a bright light into the eye, to closely examine the cornea and detect any signs of damage or inflammation. The slit lamp allows the optometrist to view the eye in detail, including the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids, which might exhibit signs of UV damage.
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Don't Ignore the Signs of Photokeratitis: Take Action for Your Eye Health Today

As an optometry clinic, we have seen first-hand the discomfort and risks that photokeratitis, or 'sunburn of the eyes', can bring. While typically not causing permanent damage, it can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term eye health issues.

If you're experiencing symptoms like redness, a gritty feeling in your eyes, sensitivity to light, or excessive tearing, don't delay seeking help. As previously mentioned, reaching out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice is possible through a phone call or an in-person visit. Our team of eye care professionals is prepared and equipped to provide you with the necessary care you need.

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