Say no to sunburnt eyes this summer!

There is nothing better than spending time in the sun after a long winter. However, too much time in the sun can lead to severe eye damage such as photokeratitis, aka, sunburned eyes. Many people are surprised to find out that their eyes can experience sunburn and often realize the dangerous effects of UV rays too late.

Activities such as sunbathing, sports, and even tanning beds can lead to this painful eye condition. People who continue to expose themselves to UV light can eventually become more susceptible to developing permanent eye damage.

We offer the latest prescription sunglasses online that provide 100% UV protection. Although, even with sunglasses, it is important to follow your eye doctor’s recommendations on protecting your eyes and understand the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.

What is photokeratitis?
You may be surprised to learn that your eyes can experience sunburn, but each year, thousands of Americans suffer from photokeratitis as a result of prolonged exposure to UV light. People can also experience photokeratitis in colder climates, where it is referred to as snow blindness.

Photokeratitis and sun exposure
The most common form of photokeratitis occurs from sun exposure on the thin layer of the cornea and the conjunctiva. The exposure occurs when the sun reflects off water, sand, snow, or ice. Symptoms usually last between six and 24 hours with most people recovering within 48 hours.

Some people may experience photokeratitis after they have been in a tanning bed for too long or looked at a solar eclipse without using protection or handing arc welding tools without a shield.

It is important to always be aware of how much sun exposure you are receiving to ensure you keep your eyes protected. You should assume that if you are in a situation where you could get traditional sunburn on your skin, you can also experience the damaging effects of photokeratitis.

People who spend a lot of time outdoors, live at higher altitudes, or use tanning beds are most likely to experience photokeratitis.

Photokeratitis symptoms

There are many symptoms to watch for if you think you may be experiencing photokeratitis including:

● Pain and redness
● Blurred vision
● Tearing or gritty feeling in the eyes
● Swelling of the eyes
● Headaches or seeing halos
● Light sensitivity
● Eye twitching

Everyone experiences photokeratitis differently, so it is important to watch for these symptoms.

People who experience photokeratitis repeatedly also have an increased risk of developing cataracts and the sight threatening macular degeneration later on in life. Long-term UV exposure can also cause tissue elevations on the eyes, which can lead to painful eye conditions such as pinguecula and pterygia.

Photokeratitis treatment
If you do experience photokeratitis, your eye doctor can recommend solutions that will ease your discomfort and help you your eyes recover.

The most common forms of treatment include:

● Using a cold compress on the eyes to reduce redness and swelling
● Using artificial tears to soothe the eyes and increase moisture
● Antibiotic eye drops to help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of infection

Your eyecare provider may also recommend a pain reliever to help reduce the symptoms of photokeratitis. We strongly advise that you do not attempt to self-treat photokeratitis without getting the adequate medical advice from a professional first.

What are the best sunglasses for UV protection?
The best way to protect your eyes from the sun is to wear sunglasses to top quality like: Nike Eyeglass Frames. Choosing a high-quality sunglasses lens with 100% protection against UV rays can keep your eyes feeling comfortable and protect them against damage. People who enjoy winter outdoor activities such as skiing, and snowboarding should also use protection such as goggles.

Right now, through to the end of July, you can enjoy 25% off all complete sunglasses orders using the code SUN25, along with 25% off all eyeglass frames using code FRAMES25 at checkout! Along with our extensive sunglasses collections, we offer a unique range of glasses frames that can be customized with a pair of sunglasses lenses for the ultimate style, comfort, and protection all summer.

Have a frame you love? We can add sunglasses lenses to your favorite pair with our new Lens Replacement Service, whether you’re looking for prescription or non-prescription lenses for your frames.

Contact us today if you have questions about which type of sunglasses are right for you.