What Is Flash Burn?
Flash burn, clinically known as photokeratitis, is a painful eye condition resulting from exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) light. This temporary inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva is akin to a sunburn on the eye. It typically affects the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye.
Causes of Flash Burn
Exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation triggers flash burn. One common source is the intense light produced by welding arcs, often referred to as “arc eye” or “welder’s flash.” This occurs when individuals are around welding operations without adequate eye protection. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, particularly in reflective environments like snow or water, can also cause photokeratitis, known as “snow blindness.” The UV rays reflect off these surfaces, increasing the eye’s exposure.
Tanning beds and sunlamps are additional sources of concentrated UV light that can lead to flash burn if proper eye shields are not used. Even certain types of photography flash can emit enough UV to cause temporary eye irritation. The common factor is direct or reflected UV radiation exposure.
Symptoms of Flash Burn
The symptoms of flash burn typically do not appear immediately after exposure but develop several hours later, usually within 6 to 12 hours. Individuals often describe a gritty, sandy, or foreign body sensation in their eyes, accompanied by pain. This discomfort can range from mild to severe.
Light sensitivity, known as photophobia, is another common symptom, making it difficult to tolerate bright environments. Excessive tearing, blurred vision, and redness of the eyes are also frequently experienced. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours as the corneal surface heals.
First Aid and Treatment
Immediate first aid for flash burn involves moving to a dark room to reduce light sensitivity and applying cool compresses to the closed eyelids for comfort. It is important to avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen irritation or cause further damage. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage the discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may also provide some relief from the gritty sensation. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection or cycloplegic eye drops to relieve pain. It is advisable to seek professional medical attention if pain is severe, vision changes occur, or symptoms do not improve within 24 hours.
Preventing Flash Burn
Preventing flash burn involves using appropriate eye protection whenever there is a risk of exposure to intense UV radiation. For welding, specialized welding helmets equipped with proper filter lenses are essential. These filters block harmful UV and infrared radiation.
When outdoors, especially in environments with high UV reflection such as snowfields or bodies of water, wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays is important. Look for labels indicating “UV400” or “100% UV protection.” Regular fashion sunglasses often do not offer sufficient UV filtration, making specific protective eyewear necessary. Using eye shields in tanning beds also prevents this condition.