When summer arrives in Massachusetts, most people remember sunscreen. Whether you are at a Little League game, playing golf, walking through town, or driving along Route 9, your eyes need protection too.

At Lickteig Family Eyecare, our focus is clinical eye health. UV damage is not limited to beach days, and it can build up quietly over time.

What Is Photokeratitis?

Yes, your eyes can get sunburned. The medical term is photokeratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea caused by too much UV exposure.

A sunburned eye may feel red, watery, gritty, painful, or extremely sensitive to light. Because these symptoms overlap with dry eye or allergies, an eye exam is the safest way to understand what is happening.

Sunburned Eyes, Allergies, or Dry Eye?

Summer allergies often cause itching, watery discharge, and sneezing. Chronic dry eye may feel sandy or gritty. Photokeratitis is more likely to cause burning, sudden redness, light sensitivity, and discomfort after time outdoors.

If your eyes feel painful, unusually light-sensitive, or irritated after sun exposure, schedule an exam instead of guessing which drops to use.

Why UV Protection Matters Beyond the Beach

UV exposure can happen during everyday life. Cloudy weather does not fully block ultraviolet rays, and glare can reflect off concrete, windshields, water, and other bright surfaces.

Children and seniors need extra protection. Children’s eyes are still developing, while adults may already have years of sun exposure affecting their lenses and retinas. Over time, UV damage can contribute to cataracts and retinal concerns.

The Long-Term Risks of UV Eye Damage

Photokeratitis can be temporary, but repeated UV exposure can have lasting consequences. Cataracts, pterygium, and retinal damage are all reasons to take sun protection seriously. Dr. Benjamin Lickteig calls macular degeneration “the big bad wolf” of eye conditions because it can affect central vision.

Solar retinopathy is another serious risk. Looking directly at the sun can physically damage the retina and may cause permanent blind spots.

How to Choose Sunglasses That Protect Your Eyes

The best sunglasses should block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Dark lenses alone are not enough, because tint does not guarantee protection.

Polarized lenses may help patients who are sensitive to glare, especially while driving, golfing, or spending time outdoors. For kids, durable UV-blocking sunglasses and hats can help protect developing eyes.

Book an Eye Health Exam in Natick

A comprehensive eye exam does more than check your prescription. At Lickteig Family Eyecare, exams include medical screening for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease, supported by diagnostic tools like OCT scans, retinal photography, and visual field testing.

If your eyes feel painful after sun exposure, or if you want to understand your long-term UV risk, schedule an eye health evaluation in Natick. Regular exams help track important changes over time before they affect your sight.

UV Eye Protection FAQs with Dr. Benjamin Lickteig O.D.

Can your eyes actually get sunburned? 

• Yes. Photokeratitis is inflammation of the cornea caused by ultraviolet exposure, and it can make the eyes red, painful, watery, and light-sensitive.

Do cloudy days still put my eyes at risk? Yes. UV rays can pass through clouds and reflect off bright surfaces, which means sunglasses are useful even when the sun does not feel intense.

• Are cheap sunglasses safe for UV protection? Not always. Look for lenses that clearly state 100% UVA and UVB protection, and consider prescription sunglasses for regulated, verified protection.

Why are children more vulnerable to UV eye damage?

• Children spend more time outdoors, and their developing eyes need consistent protection from UV exposure during sports, play, and family activities.