The pain and irritation following an eye burn from welding, often called “arc eye” or “welder’s flash,” result from a condition known as photokeratitis. This injury is essentially a sunburn on the cornea, the clear, outer layer of the eye, caused by intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from the welding arc. The UV exposure damages the epithelial cells on the corneal surface, leading to delayed but significant pain, a gritty sensation, and light sensitivity. Understanding the proper steps for immediate and ongoing care is important for minimizing discomfort and ensuring a complete recovery.
Immediate Stabilization and First Aid Steps
The immediate priority is to stop the source of UV exposure and prevent further irritation. Cease all welding activity and move immediately into a dark or dimly lit environment. The intense sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, can be managed by resting with your eyes closed. If you wear contact lenses, remove them right away to prevent trapping irritants or interfering with healing.
Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances, as this worsens damage to the delicate corneal epithelium. To soothe the burning sensation and reduce swelling, gently place a cool, damp compress over your closed eyelids. This cool application provides symptomatic relief and helps calm inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
Essential Home Care and Comfort Measures
Managing symptoms of mild photokeratitis involves rest and simple over-the-counter (OTC) measures. Resting in a dark room is effective due to severe light sensitivity and pain. Wearing dark sunglasses, even indoors, can also significantly reduce discomfort from residual light exposure.
To combat the dry, gritty feeling, use preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops frequently throughout the day. These drops keep the corneal surface moist and support the natural healing of damaged epithelial cells. Avoid using drops that promise to reduce redness, as these can constrict blood vessels and may interfere with the recovery process. For systemic pain relief, an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken according to package directions. These medications help alleviate intense pain and reduce the inflammatory response associated with the burn.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While most cases of arc eye resolve with home care, certain symptoms require immediate evaluation by a medical professional. Seek urgent care if you experience severe, unrelenting pain that is not adequately controlled by OTC pain medication. A noticeable decrease or marked change in vision, such as persistent blurring or seeing halos, also indicates a prompt medical visit.
Professional inspection is necessary if you suspect a foreign body, such as a metal shard or abrasive particle, has entered the eye. Furthermore, if painful symptoms persist for longer than 24 to 48 hours, a doctor must examine your eyes. This ensures the cornea is healing properly and rules out a secondary infection or a more extensive injury, allowing for a definitive diagnosis and the proper course of treatment.
Medical Treatments and Expected Recovery Timeline
After confirming the photokeratitis diagnosis, often using a fluorescein dye and a slit lamp to visualize the corneal damage, a medical professional will tailor a treatment plan. A common intervention for severe pain is the use of cycloplegic eye drops, which temporarily relax internal eye muscles to relieve painful spasms. The doctor may also prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic drop or ointment to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
Prescription-strength pain medication may be provided if OTC options prove insufficient for managing intense discomfort. The corneal epithelium has a rapid regenerative capacity. A mild-to-moderate injury typically heals completely within 24 to 72 hours, with symptoms gradually improving during this period. Following the treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments are important to confirm full recovery.