Eye hurts after looking at the sun directly

Hello,

Thank you for asking your query at DoctorSpring.

I discussed your concern with our team Ophthalmologist. The condition you are having is Photokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis. This occurs as an acute syndrome that occurs after ultraviolet irradiation of the eyes (which happens when you look directly at sun)

Thankfully the condition is self-limiting and will resolve by itself. So you can safely wait for the night. But please make sure that you are not looking at a light source directly for 48 hours. Also it is better to wear a good quality sunglass which can prevent exposure to UV rays. As I said the condition will generally resolve by itself. If there is a troublesome pain an OTC pain medication like Ibuprofen could be used (400mg twice daily). I am not sure what eye drops you are using, but it’s better not use anything for now. Your Doctor might prescribe you Lubricant antibiotic ointments, cycloplegics (to relax your eye muscles) or even an eye patch after doing an eye exam. But in most of the cases no treatment is required.

Hope this helps
Please feel free to ask followup queries
Thank you

It is nearing the 48th hour and it feels better, but not 100%. Can I look at a computer screen if I have sunglasses on? Would it be best to stay in a dark room until fully healed?

Thanks,

Reuben

Hello Reuben,

You need not stay in a dark room. Just avoid looking at bright objects or light source. You may look at computer screens. But computer screens are better avoided for long periods till all the discomfort is gone. Keep the brightness low. There are no harmful radiations from the screen, just that it might slightly increase the uneasiness.

Hope this helps
Thank you