![]() ![]() Although the severity and duration of these symptoms may vary from person to person, they typically appear within a few hours of UV exposure and can last for a few days. Photokeratitis can manifest through various symptoms that affect the eyes and vision. In this article, we'll delve into the world of photokeratitis, discussing its causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies to help you enjoy the great outdoors (or your favorite indoor activities) while safeguarding your eyes from the potential dangers of UV radiation. ![]() The result is inflammation, discomfort, and temporary vision impairment. This condition occurs when the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, gets "sunburned" by the harmful UV rays. ![]() While the sun is the primary source of UV radiation, artificial sources such as welding torches and tanning beds can also cause photokeratitis. Photokeratitis, commonly referred to as " snow blindness" or "welder's flash," is a painful, temporary eye condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. In both scenarios, you're surrounded by the beauty of nature, but you're also at risk for an often overlooked ocular hazard: photokeratitis. Or perhaps you're on a snowy mountain peak, embracing the thrill of skiing down the slopes. Always wear UV blocking sunglasses, goggles, or a mask when in a situation at risk for photokeratitis.Imagine you're basking in the sun on a beautiful beach, soaking up the warm rays without a care in the world. Prevention is key, particularly since there are no symptoms during the exposure. Treatment of photokeratitis is limited to cold compresses on the eyes and artificial tears. The condition generally lasts 1-2 days and resolves on its own with no permanent damage as the corneal epithelium regenerates. The “sunburned eye” develops thousands of tiny micro- corneal abrasions, which leads to the severe eye pain, gritty sensation, and light sensitivity. Its surface layer, or corneal epithelium, is affected, and hours after the exposure it begins to break down. The cornea of the eye is primarily what is damaged by unprotected exposure to UV light. Photokeratitis can also occur in boaters and fisherman after prolonged exposure to sunlight reflecting off the water. ![]() “Welder’s burn” or “flash burn” occurs when a welder or someone near a welder is exposed to the welding arc while not protected. “Snow blindness” is a common term for photokeratitis that skiers or hikers experience after prolonged exposure to bright sun reflecting off the snow or ice, particularly at higher altitudes. Often, one will begin to notice slight eye pain and irritation the evening of exposure, and is awoken in the middle of the night or the next morning with more severe pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Symptoms do not begin until 6-12 hours later, so the person does not feel anything during the prolonged period of UV light exposure. It is prevented by wearing proper sunglasses, goggles, or a mask when there is a risk of exposure. The source of the UV light is typically the sun, a tanning or sterilizing light, or a welding arc. It occurs after the eyes have had prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light rays. Photokeratitis is essentially a “sunburn” of the eye. ![]()
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