Everyone loves the sun, but no one loves sunburn – especially when it affects your eyes! Whether you are spending time outdoors, enjoying winter sports, or just soaking up the sun on a warm day, it is important to protect your eyes from UV rays.
At Artisan Optics in Boise, we offer a wide range of protective sunwear to help you reduce UV exposure to your eyes. We want to help you find safe and effective ways to protect your vision in the long run. Let’s dive into what eye sunburn is, how to spot it, and how you can keep your eyes safe from the sun.
What is Eye Sunburn?
Your skin is not the only part of your body that you should protect from the sun. If your eyes are exposed to ultraviolet light, they can get sunburned too. Eye sunburn (also known as photokeratitis) happens when the surface of your eye, or the cornea, gets overexposed to:
- Direct sunlight, especially when spending extended periods outside or when looking at the sun.
- Reflection from surfaces like snow, water, sand, or concrete.
- Artificial sources like tanning beds, welding torches or high-intensity lamps.
Signs Your Eyes Are Sunburned
Eye sunburn can be an extremely uncomfortable experience. When your eyes are sunburned, you might experience:
- Pain or Gritty Sensation: It might feel like there’s sand in your eyes.
- Redness and Tearing: Your eyes might look bloodshot and watery.
- Light Sensitivity: Bright lights can be really uncomfortable.
- Blurry Vision: You might notice some blurriness or haziness.
- Swelling and Headache: Your eyelids might swell, and you could get a headache.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Sunburn in Boise
When you take care of your eyes, you can protect your eye health and comfort for years to come. Healthy eyes can significantly impact your quality of life, especially as you get older. Here are some of the best ways that you can protect your eyes from UV rays:
1. Sunglasses with UV Protection
Darker lenses don't always mean better UV protection. When selecting sunglasses for optimal UV protection, make sure they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Polarized sunglasses are a good option for reducing glare from reflective surfaces, making them good for outdoor activities.
Wraparound sunglasses are also a popular choice for UV protection since they also block sunlight from the side. Some contact lenses offer UV protection, but they only cover the cornea. Always wear sunglasses with them for full eye coverage.
2. Wide-Brimmed Hats and Shade
A wide-brimmed hat can protect not just your eyes, but your entire face from harmful UV rays. To effectively reduce the amount of UV rays hitting your eyes, choose a hat with at least a 3-inch brim and combine this with sunglasses for double protection.
UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so take breaks in the shade during these peak hours. Even on cloudy days, try to stay in the shade and wear your sunglasses to protect you from UV rays penetrating the clouds.
3. Beware of Reflections
We often associate sunburn with warmer weather, but your eyes can get sunburned in the winter too. UV rays can reflect from surfaces like snow and cause a severe form of eye sunburn known as “snow blindness.”
The sun can also reflect off surfaces like water, sand, concrete, windows, etc. This means that even when you wear a hat, reflective surfaces can reflect the sun upward into your eyes.
4. Other Protective Eyewear
Some activities can increase your chances of getting eye sunburn. Welding, snow sports, water activities, and using tanning beds are just some examples of high-risk activities.
Always wear the appropriate eyewear when participating in these activities. You should wear ski goggles, safety goggles, or sunglasses to minimize UV exposure and protect your eyes.
Getting Help for Your Sunburned Eyes at Artisan Optics
Let’s make sure your eyes are as protected as your skin when you are out enjoying the sun. At Artisan Optics in Boise, we can guide you towards finding the best eyewear for your needs. Whether you need prescription sunwear or sunglasses for an active lifestyle, our team will help you find your perfect fit. Book your appointment to find the perfect sunwear that fits your lifestyle and keeps your vision safe.