Photoophthalmia

Photoophthalmia: what is it and how to avoid it

Photophthalmia is a keratoconjunctivitis caused by light entering the eyes. This condition can result from damage to the cornea of ​​the eye when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Photoophthalmia occurs especially often in snow blindness, when sunlight reflects off the snow and enters the eyes.

Symptoms of photoophthalmia may include red eyes, itching, a gritty sensation in the eyes, watery eyes, and blurred vision. In some cases, the eyes may feel like they are “burnt.”

To avoid photoophthalmia, precautions should be taken when working or exercising outdoors in bright sunlight. You should wear safety glasses with dark or mirrored lenses that block ultraviolet rays and reduce the risk of eye damage.

You should also avoid looking directly at the sun, especially during eclipses when ultraviolet radiation can be particularly intense. If you experience eye discomfort after prolonged exposure to the sun, you should take immediate steps to prevent the development of photoophthalmia.

In addition, it is important to monitor the light level in the room. Photopic lighting can cause eye fatigue and blurred vision. Therefore, it is necessary to use the right lighting depending on the task you are performing.

In conclusion, photoophthalmia is a serious condition that can lead to blurred vision and other complications. To avoid this condition, you need to take precautions such as wearing safety glasses and avoiding looking directly at the sun. If you have any symptoms of photoophthalmia, contact your doctor for qualified help.



Photoophthalmia is a keratoconjunctivitis caused by exposure of the eyes to light. This disease usually occurs due to damage to the cornea by ultraviolet radiation, such as snow blindness.

The cause of photoophthalmia is photochemical damage to eye tissue under the influence of sunlight. The cornea is most often affected, as it is directly exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet rays damage the surface cells of the cornea, leading to inflammation and pain.

Symptoms of photoophthalmia:

  1. Redness of the eyes
  2. Tearing
  3. Sensation of a foreign body in the eyes
  4. Eye pain that gets worse in bright light
  5. Photophobia
  6. Cutting and burning in the eyes
  7. Blurred vision

To prevent and treat photoophthalmia, it is recommended:

  1. Avoid prolonged exposure to bright sun without protective equipment
  2. Wear sunglasses with UV filters
  3. Use eye drops with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects
  4. In severe cases, the use of steroid medications may be required.

Thus, photoophthalmia is a common eye disease caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Timely diagnosis and treatment help prevent the development of complications and preserve vision.



Photoophthalmia is an eye disease that manifests itself in a combination of a number of symptoms. It is caused by direct rays of the sun. It can appear even when a person did not plan to go out and come into contact with the sun. The disease involves short-term intense acute exposure to light on the retina of the eye. The light itself may be