Photoceratitis, commonly known as snow blindness, is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, typically from the sun.

The condition can be temporary or permanent and can have long term effects on the eyesight if left untreated. Here are the signs to look out for in order to recognise and prevent photoceratitis:.

1. Eye Pain

One of the earliest symptoms of photoceratitis is eye pain. This can be a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation that becomes worse when your eyes are open and exposed to bright light.

The pain is usually more intense when you move your eyes or blink and can also be accompanied by sensitivity to light and a sensation of burning in the eyes.

2. Redness of the Eyes

If you have photoceratitis, your eyes may become red and inflamed due to the exposure to UV light. The condition causes the blood vessels in the eyes to dilate and can be accompanied by swelling and itching.

The redness may be a sign of other eye infections, so you should consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of the problem.

3. Sensitivity to Light

Photoceratitis causes the eyes to become extremely sensitive to light, making it difficult to open them in bright environments.

This sensitivity can even persist for several days after the initial exposure, making it important to wear polarized sunglasses when you’re out in the sun.

4. Blurred Vision

Blurry vision is a common symptom of several eye conditions, including photoceratitis. If you notice that your vision is becoming blurry or distorted after exposure to the sun, it may be a sign that you have photo-keratitis.

In some cases, your vision may even be temporarily lost, and may return only after an hour or so.

5. Watery Eyes

If you have photokeratitis, you may have watery or teary eyes that appear like you’re constantly crying. This is because the eyes produce tears to protect themselves from the UV rays that cause the condition.

Watery eyes can also be a sign of other eye problems so if you experience this symptom, it’s best to see an eye specialist.

6. Headaches

In some cases, photokeratitis can lead to headaches and migraine-like symptoms. This can occur after long-term exposure to sunlight, but it’s not common in most cases.

7. Swollen Eyes

Swelling around the eyes can occur due to several reasons like allergies or injury. However, if you find swollen eyelids after exposure to the sun, it could be a sign of photokeratitis.

Swelling may also be accompanied by a pink eye or inflammation of the eye’s sclera.

8. Light Halos

When you’re out in highly lit areas, the sun may appear like a bright, blinding light with a halo around it. This can happen due to several reasons but one of the most common causes is photokeratitis.

A halo may signify that the eyes have been exposed to high levels of UV light and can sometimes be accompanied by a dark area in the field of vision.

9. Feeling of Foreign Object in the Eyes

If you have photokeratitis, you may feel like there’s something inside your eyes, like grains of sand. The scratchy feeling or itchiness may be due to the inflammation caused by exposure to UV light.

This usually is temporary and subsides after a certain point of time, but if the feeling persists, it could indicate another eye problem.

10. Long-Term Effects on Eyesight

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can have a lasting effect on your eyesight. Repeated exposure can lead to cataracts, which can cause cloudy vision and even blindness.

It’s essential to wear appropriate glasses and protect your eyes whenever you’re outside in bright sunny areas, especially during peak hours of the sun.

Conclusion

Symptoms of photoceratitis can be alarming, but it’s a preventable condition that can be avoided with a few precautions. Remember to wear sunglasses and avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours to protect your eyes from UV light.

If you experience any symptoms of photokeratitis, it’s best to consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately.