Most people know what a sunburn feels like on their skin, but many are surprised to learn that your eyes can also become sunburned.
This condition is called photokeratitis, and it occurs when the cornea is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light. Common symptoms include:
- A gritty or burning sensation
Photokeratitis can happen after long days at the beach, boating, skiing, or working outdoors without proper eye protection. Because water, sand, and pavement reflect UV rays, exposure is often more intense than people realize.
The good news is that photokeratitis is usually temporary, but repeated UV exposure over time can contribute to more serious eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
At Wagner Kapoor Institute, we encourage patients throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region to treat UV protection as part of their daily health routine — not just something reserved for sunny vacations.
Author
Alan L. Wagner, MD, FACS, FICS, FASRS, AME
Dr. Alan Wagner is recognized internationally as an innovator in the treatment of patients with retinal and macula disease, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, ocular oncology, and the application of Lean Six Sigma to healthcare delivery.
Dr. Wagner is engaged in setting and advocating healthcare policy, currently serving as Chair of the American College of Surgeons’ Advisory Council for Ophthalmic Surgery and in the past positions including President of the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Secretariat of State Affairs and Counselor for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, President of the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation, Board of Visitors as well as Trustee at Eastern Virginia Medical School, President of the Virginia Beach Medical Society, and appointed by five Virginia Governors to multiple Commissions and Board positions.
Dr. Wagner’s integrated team approach enables the latest in diagnosis, treatment, and leading-edge research.
