Welder’s flash is a sore condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light. Generally, the transparent tissue covering the eyes or cornea is damaged. In addition, it results to “sunburn” condition on the cornea.
Symptoms of welder’s flash
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Mild to severe pain in the affected eye/eyes
- Blurry vision
- Bloodshot eyes
- Irritated eyes
- Watery eyes
- Gritty feeling in the eyes
Causes
- Welding torch
- Solar eclipse
- Direct sunlight
- Sunlamps
- Reflection of the sun on the snow or water
- Lightning
- Other lamps such as photographer’s flood lamp and halogen lamps
Treatment
- Close the eye/eyes immediately after the injury to keep it rested. Closing the eyes prevent bacteria from entering the affected eye/eyes and delays the healing.
- Avoid rubbing or rinsing the affected eye/eyes to prevent further damage.
- Wash hands properly before touching the affected area to prevent development of infections.
- Apply ice pack on the area for a few minutes several times every day to lessen the inflammation and the pain. Ice lessens the redness of the area. Another alternative is soaking a clean towel or napkin in cold water, wring out excess water and then place it directly on the affected eye/eyes for at least 10-12 minutes. Repeat this process at least two times every day.
- Use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain and the inflammation.
- Use the prescribed dilating drops to allow the muscles of the eye to relax and lessen the pain and promote rapid healing. Generally, cover the eye/eyes with clean dressing to prevent contamination and becoming infected.
- Apply the prescribed antibiotics ointment or drops to lower the risk of becoming infected.
- Cover the eye/eyes when sleeping using an eye patch to protect the area while sleeping.
- When outside, wear dark sunglasses that have ultraviolet protection for the eye/eyes against sunlight or bright light to prevent straining of the area and delays the healing.
Important considerations
Soak a cotton ball into the breast milk and apply it directly on the affected areas. Leave it on for at least a few minutes. Wipe it off using a clean washcloth or soft tissue. Another alternative is dropping warm milk into the affected eye/eyes with the use of a medicine dropper. Breast milk has natural enzymes that lessen the itchiness and the pain due to welder’s flash. It also lubricates the eyes. Repeat this process at least two times every day for relief.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photokeratitis
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/corneal-flash-burns#1
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eyes-flash-burns