An eye can become burned through what is known as flash burns. This is when a painful irritation affects the clear tissue that is covering the eye. This can be due to being exposed to ultraviolet light, certain UV lights such as a welding torch. Flash burns are like a sunburn that affects the eye. The cornea can repair itself in a few days, but during this time it can be painful and there is normally a scar left behind. If this flash burn goes untreated, it could cause an infection which can lead to vision loss.
Symptoms of flash burns to the eyes
The symptoms of a flash burn include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain can be very intense or mild after the incident
- Eyes are bloodshot
- Vision may be blurred
- You may feel as though you have something in your eye
Causes
In most cases of flash burn, this is due to being exposed to UV light. The sources for this may include:
- A welding torch
- Direct sunlight
- Water or snow in which the sun is reflecting off of
- Sunlamp from a tanning bed
- Certain types of lamps
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose a flash burn, the doctor will have to perform an eye examination. This examination may include:
- Using numbing drop for the eyes
- Inspected the actual eye for damage
- Using orange dye to show damage under a special light.
Treatment
For flash burns, treatment may include:
- Using dilating drops to help relax the eye and ease the pain.
- Covering your eyes in dressing to help them heal and allow rest
- You will be unable to drive during this time
- The doctor prescribes antibiotic drops or ointment to place into the eyes.
- The doctor sets an appointment up to 2 days to make sure the eyes are hearing and to look for any other problems.
Things to take into account
- Flash burns feel like a sunburn to the eye and can harm both the eyes.
- A flash burn happens when a bright UV light comes into contact with the eye.
- With the right treatment, your cornea will generally repair itself without leaving a blemish.
Seek medical help
You should see your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have symptoms including:
- Unclear vision not due to eye drops
- Deteriorating vision
- Pain becomes worse
- If you are uncertain about your vision, irrespective of what you think the problem might be
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FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_burn
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/corneal-flash-burns#1
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eyes-flash-burns