Welding involves processes that generate intense light, heat, and airborne particles, all of which pose significant hazards to eye health. Unprotected exposure can lead to a range of ocular injuries, from immediate discomfort to long-term vision impairment. Protecting the eyes during welding is therefore a paramount concern.
Acute Eye Injuries from Welding
One of the most common immediate injuries from welding is “welder’s flash,” also known as photokeratitis or arc eye. This condition is similar to a sunburn on the eye, resulting from exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the welding arc. The UV light damages the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, causing its surface cells to slough off and expose sensitive nerves.
Symptoms typically manifest a few hours after exposure, often between 3 to 12 hours. Individuals may experience severe pain, a gritty sensation as if sand is in the eye, excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision, and extreme sensitivity to light. Photokeratitis is usually temporary, with symptoms resolving within 24 to 48 hours as the corneal surface heals.
Beyond radiation exposure, physical injuries are also a common acute hazard. Sparks, molten metal, slag chips, or grinding debris can fly into the eye, causing abrasions, foreign bodies embedded in the cornea, or even more severe damage. These incidents often occur during pre- or post-welding tasks like grinding or chipping.
Chronic Ocular Conditions
Repeated or prolonged exposure to the hazards of welding can lead to chronic ocular conditions that develop over time. Cumulative exposure to UV and infrared (IR) radiation from welding arcs is a significant concern. These forms of radiation can penetrate different parts of the eye, leading to long-term damage.
Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, are a potential long-term consequence of sustained UV and IR exposure. While proper eye protection can reduce the risk, cataracts can still form if adequate safeguards are not employed. Infrared radiation, in particular, can heat the lens, contributing to cataract formation.
Retinal damage, including conditions like maculopathy, can also occur from the intense visible light and infrared radiation. This damage can affect the retina, leading to impaired central vision or blind spots. Pterygium, a growth on the eye linked to long-term UV exposure, is another chronic condition.
Essential Eye Protection
Eye protection is essential to preventing both acute and chronic welding-related eye injuries. A welding helmet is the primary piece of equipment, shielding the eyes and face from intense light, radiation, and flying debris. These helmets are equipped with specialized filter shades designed to block UV and IR radiation.
Selecting the correct shade number for the helmet’s lens depends on the specific welding process and the amperage being used. Shade numbers range from 3 to 14, with higher numbers indicating greater light filtration and darker lenses. For instance, MIG welding requires a shade between 10 to 13, while TIG welding uses shades from 8 to 13, depending on the current. Many modern helmets feature auto-darkening lenses that automatically adjust to the arc’s brightness, providing continuous protection.
Safety glasses or goggles should always be worn underneath the welding helmet for an additional layer of protection. These glasses protect against sparks, grinding debris, or chemical splashes when the helmet is lifted or during ancillary tasks. Side shields on safety glasses offer further protection from peripheral hazards. Maintaining and regularly inspecting all personal protective equipment (PPE) for scratches, cracks, or other damage is important to ensure its continued effectiveness and proper fit.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
Prompt medical attention is important for any significant welding-related eye injury. Individuals should seek immediate care from an eye doctor or emergency room if they experience severe or persistent eye pain. This includes pain that does not improve within a few hours or that worsens over time.
Any changes in vision, such as persistent blurring, the appearance of dark spots, or floaters, warrant urgent medical evaluation. If a foreign object is suspected to be embedded in the eye, or if there is excessive redness, swelling, or discharge, professional help is needed. Early intervention can help prevent complications and preserve vision.