Fact Checked
Corneal flash burn is damage due to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and other sources of light such as the welder’s arch or camera flash. It is sunburn to the surface of the eye. It results to pain and difficulty with vision.
Symptoms of a corneal flash burn
- Sensitivity to light
- Bloodshot eyes
- Blurred vision
- Mild eye pain and eventually becomes severe
- Excessive watering of the eyes
- A sensation of a foreign material in the eye
- Irritation in the eye
Causes
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Welding torch
- Lighting that strikes
- Sunlamp found in tanning salon
- Reflection of the sun on the snow at high elevation or snow blindness
- Halogen lamp
- Solar eclipse
- Flood lamp of the photographer
- Reflection of sunlight in the water
- Solar eclipse
Treatment
- Apply ice pack on the eye. Place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it in a towel before placing to the area for at least a few minutes to lessen the pain sensation around the area. They also lessen the inflammation and the redness. Another alternative is soaking a clean face towel in cold water. Wring out excess water and place it over the affected area for at least 10-12 minutes to lessen the swelling and the pain due to welder’s flash.
- Use the prescribed dilating drops to relax the muscles of the eye, lessen the pain and for fast healing of the condition.
- Rest the affected area by covering them with a padded dressing for fast healing.
- Take the prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment to prevent development of infections.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses while the eyes are in the healing stage. Wear sunglasses to lessen sensitivity to light.
- Take the prescribed medications such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or codeine to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
- Use the prescribed over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricants to lessen discomfort in the eyes.
Tips
- Washing the hands properly before touching the eyes before applying drops or ointments on the affected eye to prevent further irritations.
- Protect the eyes from dust and dirt by wearing sunglasses.
- Avoid rubbing or scratching the affected eye/eyes to prevent further damage.
- While in the healing stage, avoid watching television or reading just listen to music while resting.
- Avoid going outdoors as much as possible.
- Wear protective eyewear when out under the sun or welding. Use sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Also wear protection for the eyes when working with cement or sand and participating in water or snow activities and at higher altitudes.
More Information
The details posted on this page on a corneal flash burn is for learning purposes only. To learn how it is managed, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/corneal-flash-burns#1
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eyes-flash-burns