Eyes - flash burns

A flash burn is a painful inflammation of the cornea, the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye. It happens when you are exposed to bright ultraviolet (UV) light. Any source of UV light can cause it, but welding torches are the most common, which is why it is sometimes called “welder’s flash” or “arc eye”.

Flash burns are like sunburn in the eye and can affect both eyes. The cornea can usually repair itself in one to two days and normally heals without leaving a scar. However, if a flash burn is not treated, an infection may start. This can be serious and may lead to some loss of vision.

Symptoms#

Symptoms of a flash burn can include:

• pain, which may be mild to very severe and usually starts a few hours after exposure
• a feeling of having something in your eye
• bloodshot eyes
• sensitivity to light
• watery eyes
• blurred vision

Causes#

You can get a flash burn after being exposed to UV light. Sources include:

• a welding torch
• direct sunlight
• reflection of the sun off water or snow
• a sunlamp in a tanning salon
• some types of lamps, such as halogen or a photographer’s flood lamp

Diagnosis#

Diagnosis requires an eye examination, which may include:

• inspection, where the eyes are checked for damage
• anesthetic drops, used to numb the eyes long enough to examine them. These should not be used regularly, as they delay healing.
• dye, where the doctor puts orange dye in the eye to show up any damage under a special blue light. The dye is harmless and washes out with your tears.

Treatment#

Treatment for a flash burn may include:

• dilating drops, sometimes used to relax the eye muscles, which eases pain and allows the eyes to rest and heal
• cool packs placed over the eyes, which may provide some relief
• a mild steroid-based anti-inflammatory drop

Follow your doctor’s advice on how often to use any prescribed eye drops or ointment. You will usually be reviewed in 24 to 48 hours to make sure your eyes are healing, since some problems, such as infection, do not show up right away. If there are any serious problems, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist (specialist eye doctor), who may place a bandage contact lens on the eye until it has healed.

Using eye drops and ointments#

• Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
• Rest your finger on your cheek and pull down the lower eyelid.
• Tilt your head back and drop the liquid in behind your lower eyelid. For ointment, smear a small amount along the inside of the lower eyelid.
• Make sure the nozzle does not touch the eye.
• Continue with the treatment until your eyes have healed.
• Keep all drops and ointment cool and out of reach of children.

Taking care of yourself at home#

• Take pain-relieving medication such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen or codeine. Check the packet for the correct dose. The pain is likely to last about a day.
• Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes have healed.
• Wear sunglasses or stay in a dark room if your eyes are sensitive to light.
• Use artificial tears or lubricants to ease any discomfort. You can buy these over the counter at most pharmacies.
• Do not drive with an eye patch on.
• Return for a check-up when your doctor advises.

When to seek urgent help#

See your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you are concerned about your eyes for any reason, or if you have symptoms such as:

• worsening pain
• blurred vision that is not due to eye drops or ointment
• worsening glare

Prevention#

Prevention is best. To help prevent flash burns:

• Protect the cornea from UV light by wearing coated safety goggles, or a welder’s mask when welding.
• Make sure goggles meet approved safety standards and cover the eyes completely.
• If you wear sunglasses to help prevent flash burn, they should protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label when buying sunglasses.

Key points#

• Flash burn can be caused by all types of UV light, but welding torches are the most common source
• Symptoms of flash burn include the feeling of having something in your eye
• Continue with the treatment until your eyes have healed
• It’s important to return for a check-up when your doctor advises
• If wearing sunglasses to prevent flash burn, they should protect against both UVA and UVB radiation

Where to get help#