We often associate sun damage with sunburns and skin cancer, but your eyes are just as vulnerable to harmful UV rays. Spending too much time outdoors without proper eye protection can lead to serious, sometimes permanent, damage to your eyes. Knowing how to spot the signs of sun-related eye conditions like photokeratitis, pinguecula, and pterygium is essential for protecting your vision and overall eye health.

1. Photokeratitis: Sunburn of the Eyes

Photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn on the surface of your eye, specifically the cornea. It can occur after intense UV exposure, such as skiing without eye protection (where sunlight reflects off snow) or spending long hours at the beach without sunglasses.

Symptoms of photokeratitis include:

Redness

Pain or gritty feeling

Tearing

Sensitivity to light

Blurred vision

Temporary vision loss

Symptoms usually appear within a few hours of exposure and often resolve within 24 to 48 hours. However, repeated episodes can increase your risk of more serious eye problems later on.

2. Pinguecula: Yellowish Bumps on the Eye

Pinguecula (pronounced pin-GWEK-yoo-luh) is a non-cancerous growth that appears as a yellowish or white bump on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white of your eye. It usually develops on the side of the eye closest to the nose and is caused by cumulative UV exposure, wind, and dust.

Symptoms of pinguecula include:

A visible yellow or white bump on the white of the eye

Dryness or irritation

A feeling of something in the eye

Redness in the affected area

While a pinguecula is typically harmless, it can cause discomfort and may become inflamed or larger over time.

3. Pterygium: The “Surfer’s Eye”

A pterygium (pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that starts on the white of the eye and can extend onto the cornea. It’s often called “surfer’s eye” because it’s common among people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny, windy, or dusty environments.

Symptoms of pterygium include:

A pink or flesh-colored growth on the white part of the eye

Blurred or distorted vision (if the growth extends onto the cornea)

Redness and inflammation

A sensation of dryness or grittiness

Unlike pinguecula, pterygium can affect your vision if it grows large enough, and in some cases, it may require surgical removal.

Protecting Your Eyes from Sun Damage

The good news is that sun-related eye conditions are largely preventable. Here’s how to protect your eyes:

Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Choose wraparound styles for added protection from all angles.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Avoid direct sun exposure during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Use UV-blocking contact lenses if recommended by your eye doctor.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

If you notice any unusual changes in your eyes, like bumps, redness, or vision changes, don’t wait—schedule an eye exam. Catching and treating sun damage early can prevent further complications and help you maintain healthy eyes for life.

Protect your eyes like you do your skin. Sunscreen may be your go-to, but sunglasses should be, too!