Eyes Flash Burns

Overview

A flash burn of the eye happens when strong ultraviolet (UV) light damages the clear surface at the front of the eye. This surface is called the cornea. It is like a sunburn on the eye. Another common name is photokeratitis or arc eye. It is usually not caused by heat. Symptoms often start a few hours after exposure.

It is a common eye injury, especially in people who weld, use tanning beds, or spend time in very bright snowy or sunny places without eye protection.

Anyone can get it. It is more likely in welders and people working near welding, people using sunlamps or tanning beds, skiers and snowboarders, hikers at high altitude, and people who forget eye protection.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A gritty, sandy, or burning feeling in one or both eyes
• Eye pain that may get worse over a few hours
• Red, watery eyes
• Being very sensitive to light (photophobia)
• Blurred or hazy vision
• Feeling that something is in the eye, even when nothing is there
• Eyelid twitching or trouble keeping the eyes open
• Mild headache

Symptoms in children

• Children may rub their eyes, cry, or refuse to open them.
• They may avoid light or complain that their eyes feel sandy.
• They may not be able to explain what happened, so ask about welding, tanning lamps, sunlamps, or bright snow and sun.
• Young children may be more distressed by light and pain.

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms are usually the same, but dry eyes or other eye conditions can make discomfort feel worse.
• Older adults may have more trouble with glare and may need extra rest in dim light.
• If you use eye drops for dry eyes, ask a pharmacist or doctor whether to keep using them during recovery.
• Seek advice early if you have had eye surgery or have a long-term eye condition.

Causes

Main causes

• Welding arcs, including being nearby while someone else welds without a screen
• Tanning beds and sunlamps
• Bright sunlight reflected from snow, ice, water, or sand, sometimes called snow blindness
• Very bright sun at high altitude
• UV lamps used in some workplaces or medical settings
• Sunlamps used for hobbies or therapy

Risk factors

• Not wearing proper eye protection
• Working near welding without a shield
• Using tanning beds or sunlamps
• Skiing, snowboarding, or hiking in bright snow without goggles
• Some medicines can make eyes more sensitive to light; ask your pharmacist
• Dry eyes or previous eye surgery
• Being in very bright reflective light for a long time

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have severe eye pain or cannot keep your eye open
• Your vision is blurred or changing
• You wore contact lenses and now have a red, painful eye
• Symptoms started after a chemical splash, grit, or object in the eye
• Symptoms are not improving after 24 to 48 hours
• Only one eye is affected, or you are unsure what caused the symptoms

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild gritty or watery eyes after known UV exposure and you are improving
• You want advice on eye protection for work or hobbies
• You have mild light sensitivity that is easing
• You need advice about returning to work, sport, or contact lens use

Diagnosis

A doctor or eye care professional will ask about your symptoms and any exposure to UV light, such as welding, tanning, or bright snow. They will examine your eyes, often with a special light and microscope called a slit lamp. They may put a harmless dye in your eye to check the surface for damage.

Tests that may be done

• Vision test
• Slit-lamp eye exam
• Fluorescein dye test, where a yellow dye and blue light show damage to the cornea
• Checking for foreign objects or chemical injury
• Sometimes a test for dry eyes after recovery

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is quick. You may be given numbing eye drops so the exam is more comfortable. You may have blurred vision for a short time from the drops. Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, have allergies, or wear contact lenses.

Treatment

Most flash burns heal on their own with rest and care. Treatment aims to ease pain, help the eye surface heal, and prevent infection. Do not rub your eyes. Do not use old or borrowed eye drops.

Self-care at home

• Rest your eyes and avoid bright light. Dim the room, use sunglasses, or stay in a dark room if that feels better.
• Put a cool, clean compress over closed eyelids for short periods. Do not put ice directly on the eye.
• Remove contact lenses and do not wear them again until your eyes are fully better and a professional says it is okay.
• Ask a pharmacist about simple lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel dry or gritty. Do not use medicated drops unless advised.
• Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief. Follow the label and do not take more than recommended.
• Do not rub your eyes. Rubbing can damage the surface.
• Wash your hands before touching your eyes or putting in drops.
• Avoid welding, tanning beds, and bright UV light until fully recovered.

Medical treatments

A doctor may check for infection and may prescribe eye drops or ointment if needed. Sometimes they use eye drops that relax the pupil to ease pain and light sensitivity. They may also remove a contact lens or flush the eye if there was a chemical or object. Always follow the instructions you are given and finish any treatment as directed. Do not share eye medicines.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for a typical flash burn. Rarely, surgery may be needed for severe eye injury, infection, or scarring. Your eye care team will explain if this applies to you.

Living with this condition

For a day or two, you may need to rest your eyes, avoid screens, and wear sunglasses outdoors. Most people can return to normal activities as symptoms settle. Avoid driving if your vision is blurred or your eyes are very light-sensitive.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear the right eye protection for welding, grinding, tanning, or snow sports.
• Keep sunglasses or goggles with UV protection handy.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
• Have regular eye checks if your job exposes you to UV light.
• Do not rub your eyes, and keep your hands clean.

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed. Drink water as usual. If you feel well, gentle activity is fine, but avoid swimming or heavy exercise if your eyes are irritated or you are still recovering. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Eye pain and light sensitivity can be upsetting and can disturb sleep. Most symptoms are short-lived, but it is okay to ask for support. If you feel very anxious, low, or overwhelmed, talk to your GP or a mental health professional. If you or someone else is in crisis or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency number or a crisis service in your area right away.

Prevention

Yes. Most flash burns can be prevented by blocking UV light from reaching your eyes. Use the right eye protection for the task and make sure it fits well.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for flash burns. Prevention is about protecting your eyes from UV light.

Screening programmes

No routine screening test is needed. Regular eye checks are still important if you work with UV light, have eye problems, or notice changes in your vision.

Complications

If left untreated

• More pain and discomfort, and slower healing
• Corneal infection, especially if you rub your eyes or use contaminated drops
• Temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity
• Rarely, scarring or long-term dry eye
• Serious damage if a chemical or object caused the injury and is not treated

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good for most people. Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 3 days and most people recover fully. Some people have temporary dryness or light sensitivity. See a doctor if symptoms get worse or do not settle.

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