Looking directly at welding light without adequate eye protection exposes the eyes to powerful electromagnetic radiation. This intense energy poses significant risks to ocular health. Understanding the components of welding light and their effects is important for recognizing potential eye damage.
The Harmful Components of Welding Light
Welding arcs generate a broad spectrum of radiation, including ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and infrared (IR) radiation. UV radiation, ranging from 200 to 400 nanometers (nm), is divided into UVA (315-400 nm), UVB (280-315 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm) bands. UVC and most UVB are absorbed by the cornea, the eye’s outermost layer, while UVA can pass through to the lens. This UV exposure can damage the eye’s surface tissues and deeper structures.
Visible light, with wavelengths from 400 to 700 nm, is intensely bright during welding, potentially overwhelming the iris’s ability to limit light reaching the retina. This can lead to temporary blinding and eye fatigue. Infrared radiation, typically between 700 and 1,400 nm, is perceived as heat and can raise the temperature within eye tissues. IR-A, a shorter-wave IR, can penetrate deeper and cause thermal damage to the retina and clouding of the lens.
Immediate Eye Symptoms and Effects
Direct exposure to welding light can cause an acute condition known as photokeratitis, commonly referred to as “welder’s flash” or “arc eye.” This condition is essentially a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, the clear tissues covering the front of the eye and the inner eyelids. Symptoms often do not appear immediately, typically manifesting several hours after exposure, usually within 3 to 12 hours. This delayed onset means discomfort may begin before damage is realized.
Common symptoms include a sensation of sand or grit in the eyes, ranging from mild pressure to intense pain. Eyes may become red and bloodshot, accompanied by excessive tearing and heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. Blurred vision and eyelid swelling are also frequently reported. While photokeratitis is usually temporary, with symptoms often resolving within one to two days, the discomfort can be significant during this period.
Longer-Term Health Concerns
Repeated or prolonged exposure to welding light without proper eye protection can contribute to several long-term ocular health issues. The development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, is one concern. Both UV and infrared radiation are implicated in cataract formation, with IR radiation causing heating of the lens over time. These conditions are typically associated with cumulative exposure rather than a single incident.
Intense visible light, particularly blue light, may contribute to retinal damage, including macular degeneration. This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Additionally, chronic UV exposure, even from welding, has been linked to an increased risk of ocular melanoma, a type of eye cancer. Although rare, this risk has been established in welders.
Steps to Take After Exposure
If someone suspects they have experienced welder’s flash, immediate action can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications. Avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen irritation and cause more damage. Applying a cold compress to the closed eyelids can provide relief from pain and swelling. Resting the eyes in a dark room and using over-the-counter artificial tears can also help soothe dryness and light sensitivity.
Seeking medical attention is advisable if pain is severe, vision changes persist, or symptoms worsen after initial home care. An eye care professional can diagnose the injury and prescribe pain-relieving eye drops or oral medications to relieve discomfort. They may also provide antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection, a potential complication if the cornea is damaged.