What is photokeratitis?

Photokeratitis is indeed characterized as corneal sunburn. It occurs when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light—most often from the sun. This condition mimics the symptoms of sunburn on the skin, including redness, pain, tearing, and a sensation of grit in the eye.

When the cornea is overexposed to UV light, it can lead to inflammation and damage, which affects vision and can cause significant discomfort. Photokeratitis is commonly seen in individuals who are outdoors for extended periods without adequate eye protection, especially in snowy or sandy environments where UV rays can be more intense due to reflection.

In contrast, other options present different eye-related conditions that are not applicable to photokeratitis. Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, while a bacterial infection in the eye usually involves more complex symptoms and treatments. A degenerative eye disease encompasses a range of chronic conditions that typically progress over time and don't specifically relate to UV exposure. Therefore, the correct identification of photokeratitis as corneal sunburn clarifies its connection to UV damage and highlights the importance of protecting the eyes from excessive sunlight.