The German Ophthalmology Association has warned that ultraviolet rays can cause sunburns to the eye, explaining that symptoms include severe pain in the eye, swelling of the conjunctiva, increased tearing, and temporary deterioration in vision. The association emphasized the importance of staying away from sunlight and staying in a shaded area as soon as these symptoms are noticed, along with cooling the eye using cold compresses, both to alleviate discomfort and to avoid potential serious consequences, which could lead to vision loss. If symptoms do not subside within 8 to 12 hours, a doctor should be consulted for appropriate treatment, which may include pain relievers, ointments or drops containing antibiotics or antiseptic agents, as well as Vitamin A in ointment form, which helps regenerate damaged tissue.
To prevent eye sunburn from occurring in the first place, one should wear sunglasses rated "UV400," which can provide good protection against ultraviolet rays up to a wavelength of 400 nanometers. It is also important that the sunglasses have wide arms to protect against scattered light coming from the sides.
