Effective Ways to Reduce Eye Swelling After Sunburn
Learn fast, safe steps to soothe eye swelling from sunburn, including cool compresses, eye drops, OTC options, and when to see a doctor.
When your skin gets sunburned, you know it. But your eyes, the sensitive organs that can also suffer from UV overexposure. Also known as photokeratitis, this condition is essentially a sunburn on the cornea and conjunctiva. It’s not just discomfort—it’s real damage. You might feel grit in your eyes, see halos around lights, or even have trouble opening them. This isn’t rare. It happens to skiers, surfers, hikers, and even people who spend a lazy afternoon by the pool without proper eye protection.
Photokeratitis, a painful eye condition caused by UV radiation doesn’t need direct sunlight to occur. Snow, water, and sand reflect UV rays, doubling your exposure. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV radiation gets through. That’s why you can get sunburned eyes while skiing in winter or fishing on a gray afternoon. Sunglasses, a key tool for blocking harmful UV rays aren’t just fashion—they’re medical gear. Look for ones labeled UV400 or 100% UV protection. Wraparound styles help, because UV doesn’t just come from the front.
Most cases clear up in 24 to 48 hours with rest and cool compresses. But if you’re still in pain after two days, or your vision gets blurry, don’t wait. It could be more than sunburn—maybe an infection or deeper tissue damage. Over-the-counter artificial tears can soothe dryness, but avoid numbing drops unless a doctor prescribes them. They mask pain without healing anything. And never rub your eyes. That’s like scratching a sunburn. You’ll make it worse.
The same people who worry about sunscreen often skip eye protection. But your eyelids are thin, and your cornea has no pigment to block UV. That’s why kids are especially at risk—they spend more time outside and their lenses don’t filter UV as well as adults’. If you’re using medications like tetracycline or certain diuretics, your eyes become even more sensitive. Check with your pharmacist if your meds increase sun sensitivity.
What you’ll find below are real comparisons and guides from people who’ve been there. You’ll see how Ciprodex eye drops are used for infections that can follow UV damage, how to tell the difference between sunburn and allergies, and why some over-the-counter remedies do more harm than good. There’s advice on choosing the right sunglasses, what to do if you forget them, and how to prevent this from happening again. No fluff. Just what works.
Learn fast, safe steps to soothe eye swelling from sunburn, including cool compresses, eye drops, OTC options, and when to see a doctor.