Medical expert of the article

Ophthalmologist, oculoplastic surgeon

New publications

Sunburn of the retina

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Retinal sunburn is caused by the photochemical effects of solar radiation as a result of direct and indirect exposure to the sun.

Retinal sunburn manifests itself within 1-2 hours after exposure as decreased central vision in one or both eyes, metamorphopsia, or central scotoma.

trusted-source [ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Symptoms of Retinal Sunburn

Visual acuity varies depending on the severity of the damage.
Initially, these are small, yellow spots with a green edge located in the foveola on one or both eyes.
After approximately 2 weeks, limited pigment mottling and lamellar rupture are detected.

The prognosis for retinal sunburn is generally good. Vision returns to normal or near normal within 6 months, although some symptoms of sunburn may persist.

What's bothering you?

Loss of vision

Blindness and partial loss of vision

Acute visual impairment

Slowly progressive or subacute visual impairment

What do need to examine?

The retina of the eye

How to examine?

Electroretinography

Visual evoked potentials

Electrooculography