Flash burn in the eyes, also known as arc eye or welder’s flash, is a painful but generally temporary eye injury. It occurs when the eyes are exposed to intense ultraviolet (UV) light, often from sources like welding arcs, sunlamps, or even prolonged exposure to bright sunlight reflected off snow. This exposure damages the surface cells of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye.
Understanding Symptoms
Symptoms of a flash burn typically do not appear immediately but rather several hours after exposure, often between 6 to 12 hours later. Individuals commonly report a sensation of gritty or sandy particles in their eyes, accompanied by significant pain. The eyes may appear red, and there can be a marked sensitivity to light, a condition known as photophobia. Excessive tearing and involuntary spasms of the eyelids, called blepharospasm, are also common indicators. Blurred vision can occur as the corneal surface becomes irritated.
Immediate Steps for Relief
First, remove any contact lenses, as they can trap irritants and potentially worsen discomfort. Resist the urge to rub your eyes, as this can further abrade the compromised corneal surface. Applying a cold compress, such as a clean cloth soaked in cool water, over closed eyelids can help reduce swelling and provide soothing comfort. Over-the-counter artificial tears or preservative-free lubricating eye drops can help moisten the eye surface and alleviate the gritty sensation, creating a temporary barrier for comfort.
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage the discomfort and pain associated with the burn. Resting your eyes in a dark room is also beneficial, as it minimizes light exposure and allows corneal cells to begin repair without further strain. Avoiding bright lights, including screens from phones or computers, can significantly reduce light sensitivity and promote healing.
When to Seek Medical Help
While many flash burns resolve with self-care, there are specific situations where seeking medical attention from a doctor or eye care professional becomes necessary. If the eye pain is severe, worsening despite home remedies, or if symptoms persist for more than 24 to 48 hours, seek professional evaluation. Any noticeable changes in vision, such as significant blurring, double vision, the appearance of flashes of light, or new floaters, indicate immediate medical assessment is needed. The presence of discharge from the eye, which could signal a secondary infection, also requires prompt medical attention.
If there is any concern about a foreign body potentially lodged in the eye, or if an individual has a history of pre-existing eye conditions or recent eye surgery, they should consult a healthcare provider without delay. Infants or young children exhibiting symptoms of a flash burn should always be seen by a doctor due to their delicate eye structures and inability to fully communicate their discomfort. A medical professional may prescribe stronger pain relief, antibiotic eye drops to prevent secondary bacterial infections, or dilating eye drops to help reduce pain by relaxing the eye muscles.
Avoiding Future Occurrences
Preventing future flash burns primarily involves wearing appropriate protective eyewear when exposed to intense UV light sources. For tasks like welding, using a welding helmet with the correct filter shade is important, as it blocks harmful UV radiation. When exposed to sunlamps, tanning beds, or working in environments with high reflected UV light, wearing UV-blocking goggles designed for such exposure can shield the eyes effectively. Ensuring adequate ventilation and maintaining a safe distance from UV sources can further minimize exposure. Educating others, particularly children, about the dangers of looking directly at intense light sources is also an important preventive measure.