Most people know they should protect their skin from the sun.
But very few people think about protecting their eyes.
Here’s a question that surprises many patients:
Can your eyes actually get sunburned?
The answer is yes.
And just like a sunburn on your skin, UV damage to your eyes can be painful, cumulative, and potentially harmful over time.
What Is Eye Sunburn?
The medical term is photokeratitis.
Photokeratitis occurs when ultraviolet (UV) light damages the surface of the eye, specifically the cornea.
Think of it as a sunburn on the front window of your eye.
Unlike a skin sunburn, you may not notice the damage immediately. Symptoms often develop several hours after exposure.
People commonly experience:
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Feeling like something is stuck in the eye
Fortunately, most cases heal. However, repeated UV exposure can contribute to long-term eye health problems.
You Don’t Need to Be at the Beach
Many people assume eye sunburn only happens on tropical vacations.
In reality, UV exposure happens every day.
You may be at increased risk while:
- Boating / Fishing
- Cycling
- Running / Hiking
- Gardening
- Attending sporting events
- Tanning Beds
- Welding
Even a cloudy day doesn’t completely block UV rays.
In fact, up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through cloud cover.
Water, Sand, and Concrete Make It Worse
One reason people get caught off guard is that UV light reflects.
Water can reflect sunlight into the eyes.
Sand can reflect sunlight into the eyes.
Concrete, pavement, and building surfaces can reflect sunlight into the eyes.
This means your eyes may receive UV exposure from multiple directions at the same time.
Winter Can Be Even More Dangerous
While summer receives most of the attention, winter can also lead to some of the highest UV exposure levels.
Fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV light.
That’s why skiers and snowboarders are particularly vulnerable to photokeratitis, sometimes called “snow blindness.”
Even in Wisconsin, UV protection matters year-round.
The Bigger Concern: Long-Term UV Damage
While photokeratitis is uncomfortable, the bigger concern is what happens after years of exposure.
Research has linked long-term UV exposure to an increased risk of:
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy.
UV exposure is one of several factors associated with earlier cataract development.
Growths on the Eye
Conditions such as pingueculae and pterygia are more common in people with significant UV exposure.
These growths can become irritated and may eventually affect vision.
Eyelid Skin Damage
The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest on the body.
UV exposure can contribute to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer around the eyelids.
Macular Damage
While sunglasses aren’t a guarantee against retinal disease, protecting the eyes from excessive UV exposure is an important part of maintaining long-term ocular health.
What Should You Look For in Sunglasses?
Not all sunglasses provide the same protection.
Dark lenses alone do not necessarily mean better protection.
The most important feature is:
100% UVA and UVB protection
This blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the eye.
Additional benefits may include:
- Polarization to reduce glare
- Larger lenses for increased coverage
- Wrap-around styles for outdoor activities
The best sunglasses are the ones you’ll actually wear consistently.
Don’t Forget Children
Children often spend more time outdoors than adults.
They also receive a significant portion of their lifetime UV exposure before reaching adulthood.
Protecting young eyes with quality sunglasses and hats is one of the easiest ways to help support lifelong eye health.
The Bottom Line
Yes, your eyes can get sunburned.
But the effects of UV exposure go far beyond a single painful day.
Every time you protect your eyes from the sun, you’re investing in their future health.
This summer, don’t just think about sunscreen.
Remember your sunglasses, too.
Your future eyes will thank you.
