Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned? Understanding UV Eye Damage

You remembered the sunscreen. You grabbed a hat. You’re ready to spend the afternoon outside.

But what about your eyes?

Most of us associate sun protection with our skin, but ultraviolet (UV) radiation can affect our eyes too. In fact, intense UV exposure can cause a painful condition sometimes described as a “sunburn of the eye.”

Your sunglasses aren’t only a fashion accessory. The right pair can play an important role in protecting your eyes from UV exposure.

Yes, Your Eyes Can Essentially Get Sunburned

The condition is called photokeratitis.

Photokeratitis occurs when the cornea—the clear surface at the front of your eye—is exposed to excessive ultraviolet radiation.

It’s similar in principle to what happens when your skin gets sunburned, except the affected tissue is part of your eye.

What Can Photokeratitis Feel Like?

Symptoms can vary depending on the amount of UV exposure, but may include:

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness
• Watery eyes
• Light sensitivity
• A gritty or sandy sensation
• Blurred vision

Interestingly, symptoms may not always appear immediately after exposure.

UV Exposure Doesn’t Only Happen on Hot Days

This is where many people get caught off guard.

UV protection isn’t only important when it’s 30°C and you’re sitting beside a lake.

UV radiation can reach your eyes throughout the year, including on cloudy days. Reflective surfaces can also increase exposure.

That means eye protection is worth thinking about whether you’re enjoying a sunny August afternoon in Fort McMurray or spending time outdoors during another season.

Don’t judge UV exposure by temperature alone. A cool or cloudy day doesn’t necessarily mean your eyes aren’t being exposed.

Not Every Dark Pair of Sunglasses Offers the Same Protection

Here’s an important distinction: dark lenses and UV protection aren’t the same thing.

The tint determines how much visible light reaches your eyes, while UV protection is designed to help block ultraviolet radiation.

When choosing sunglasses, look for eyewear that provides appropriate UVA and UVB protection rather than choosing based on darkness alone.

What About Prescription Sunglasses?

If you normally wear prescription glasses, you shouldn’t have to choose between seeing clearly and wearing sunglasses.

Prescription sunglasses can combine your vision correction with outdoor comfort and UV protection, making them especially useful for driving, travelling, sports, and everyday outdoor activities.

Don’t Forget About Kids

Sunglasses aren’t only for adults.

Children spend plenty of time outdoors, which means protecting their eyes from UV exposure matters too.

Comfortable, properly fitting sunglasses can make eye protection much easier for kids to wear consistently.

What Makes a Good Pair of Sunglasses?

When shopping for your next pair, consider:

• Proper UVA and UVB protection
• A comfortable and secure fit
• Enough lens coverage for your needs
• Prescription lenses if required
• Polarized options for reducing reflected glare
• A style you’ll actually want to wear

Protect Your Eyes in Fort McMurray

At OptoDoc, we can help you find eyewear that does more than look good.

Our team can help you explore sunglasses, prescription options, lens features, and frames suited to your vision, lifestyle, and personal style.

And if you’re overdue for an eye exam, we can help with that too.

Enjoy the sunshine—just remember to bring protection for your eyes along with the sunscreen.

Book Your Eye Exam Today!