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Posted by: Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center

The sun is incredibly strong and can temporarily damage an individual’s eye. At Mitchell Eye Center, our Boca Raton eye doctors recommend precautions when being in the sun to protect your eyes from a corneal sunburn and other eye damage. If you are experiencing some eye pain or discomfort, you may have damaged your eye and may need attention from our Palm Beach County eye surgeon. Look out for the most common eye sun damage symptoms below.

Eye Symptoms to be Aware of

Eye damage can easily happen when the sun is out and your eyes are not protected. The risk becomes even higher in the summer as many people enjoy spending time at the beach or doing outdoor activities. These are the five most common symptoms of sun damage to the eyes:

• Pain or Extra Sensitivity to Lights: If light feels painful or very sensitive in your eyes, you have probably experienced some sort of sun damage. Our Boca Raton eye doctor recommends wearing wraparound sunglasses that protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.
• The Feeling that Something is in Your Eye: If it feels like there is an unnatural substance in your eye or your eyes feel very itchy, you may have damaged them in the sun. Although your eyes may feel itchy, do not itch or rub them, this may exacerbate your symptoms and result in an infection.
• Inflammation of the Eye: If your eyes become puffy, swollen, or bloodshot, you may have burned your eye or your eyelids. The inflammation should return to normal within a few days. If it does not subside, please contact our Palm Beach County eye surgeon.
• Seeing Rings of Light: A corneal sunburn can also cause patients to see rings of lights or halos. Normally, this symptom clears up on its own and the halos disappear after a day or two.
• Watery Eyes: One of the most common symptoms of sun damage in the eyes is watery or teary eyes. Typically, if your eye has been damaged by the sun, it will increase its tear production to heal the eye. If this is occurring, please refrain from wearing eye makeup or contact lenses to reduce irritation.

Contact Mitchell Eye Center in Boca Raton Today!

If you are worried about sun damage, please do not hesitate to contact our eye doctor in Boca Raton. We will be happy to examine your eyes and assess any damage that you may have experienced. Additionally, we can give you tips to protect your eyes in the future and avoid sun damage. Contact our Palm Beach County eye surgeon to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!