Protect Your Eyes: Tips for Preventing Sunscreen from Getting in Your Eyes

As summer approaches, it’s important to think about eye protection. Sunscreen is vital, but getting it in your eyes can be a painful experience. Here, I share my insights and experiences on how to avoid this common issue.

Why You Should Be Cautious of Sunscreen

I've always aimed to understand the products I prescribe by trying them myself. My goal is to empathize with my clients. I've sampled new brands of contact lenses and various eye drops, as long as they are safe. I’ve even experienced the discomfort of hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution in my eyes during optometry school. Let me tell you—it stings like fire! I won't forget to warn others about it.

I recall getting sunscreen in my eyes when I was younger. That stinging sensation lasted for days! This brings me to why it’s crucial to handle sunscreen carefully.

Tips for Preventing Sunscreen from Getting in Your Eyes

Here are some practical pointers to keep your eyes safe from sunscreen.

1. Use Spray Properly

   If you’re using spray sunscreen, apply it to your hands first. Avoid spraying it directly onto your face. Closing your eyes and spraying can increase the risk of it getting into your eyes.

   
   

2. Application Technique

   After applying the spray to your hands, rub it onto your face. Skip the eyelids. While the skin on your eyelids needs protection from UV rays just like the rest of your skin, it’s safer to stop above the eyebrows and at the top of your cheeks.

   
   

3. Protect Your Eyes with Eyewear

   To further prevent sunscreen from reaching your eyelids, wear sunglasses or prescription glasses that provide 100% UV protection. Many eyewear options come with UV protection built into the lens (i.e., Trivex & Polycarbonate), though not all CR-39 lenses have this feature.

   
   

4. Consider Wearing a Hat

   A wide-brimmed hat can help shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight, reducing your need for sunscreen on those areas.

   
   

What to Do If Sunscreen Gets in Your Eyes

Despite your best efforts, you might still get sunscreen in your eyes. Here are the steps to take if this happens:

1. Stay Calm

   The first step is to remain calm. Panicking can make the situation worse.

   
   

2. Wash Your Hands

   Before touching your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly. This will reduce the chance of introducing any additional irritants.

   
   

3. Remove Your Contacts

   If you wear contact lenses, gently remove them. Sunscreen can get trapped underneath, causing further irritation.

   
   

4. Flush Your Eyes

   Use saline or clean water to flush your eyes. This will help to wash away the sunscreen and provide relief.

   
   

5. Use Lubricating Eye Drops

   Consider using preservative-free lubricant eye drops. These can be applied every hour or two to alleviate pain and stinging.

   
   

6. Seek Professional Help If Necessary

   If you continue to experience pain or notice changes in your vision, see your local Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. They can evaluate your condition using a slit lamp biomicroscope to check for any potential damage to your cornea or conjunctiva.

   
   

Conclusion

Navigating the summer sun means being mindful of both sunscreen application and eye protection. With these tips and precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors without the discomfort and pain associated with sunscreen in the eyes. So, remember to wear your sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and have a fun-filled summer!