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Key Takeaways:
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Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Photokeratitis, often known as ultraviolet keratitis, can be compared to a sunburn, except that it affects the cornea instead of the skin. The cornea is the clear front part of the eyes that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Exposure to UV rays can cause damage to the cornea and the conjunctiva.
Photokeratitis is also known with various names like arc eyes, flash burns, potato eye, bake eye, corneal flash burn, sand man’s eye, snow blindness, and keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica.
What is Photokeratitis – “Sunburn of the Eyes”
Photokeratitis is a painful condition caused by excessive exposure to UV rays from both natural and artificial sources, like welding and tanning beds, and medical lights. The cornea (clear part of the eye) is affected, and in more severe cases, the conjunctiva can also be affected.
Recognising Photokeratitis Symptoms
Common photokeratitis symptoms include:
- Redness and pain in the eyes.
- Excessive tearing and/or watery eyes and gritty or sandy feeling in eyes.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, halos around lights, and sometimes temporary loss of vision.
- Other discomforts like swelling, eyelid twitching, headache, and general irritation.
Symptoms usually appear a few hours after UV exposure and, in most cases, improve within 24 to 48 hours.
What Causes Ultraviolet Keratitis?
Ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and other sources can affect the eyes. There are many man-made sources of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet radiation is also emitted by various machines like lasers, lamps, mercury vapour lamps, and other welding equipment. Long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation might increase the risks of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. In addition to this, people who spend most of their time outdoors such as hikers, mountain climbers, and swimmers are more likely to get ultraviolet keratitis.
How Photokeratitis is Diagnosed?
An eye-care provider will conduct an examination of your eyes and ask about any recent exposure to UV light. In many cases, an eye-care provider will use a fluorescent dye (such as fluorescein) to stain and identify corneal abrasion or superficial corneal injury using a slit-lamp microscope.
Photokeratitis Treatment & Relief Measures
Photokeratitis treatment is generally supportive and symptom-focused because photokeratitis tends to heal naturally as the corneal surface repairs itself (usually within 24-72 hours).
Few recommendations include:
- Rest your eyes; stay indoors or in a dim light environment.
- Immediately remove contact lenses, but avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Apply cold compresses, use artificial tears for dryness and discomfort, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Sometimes a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or lubricating eye drops (like ointment) to prevent infection or support healing.
Note: If symptoms get worse – such as long-lasting pain, changes in vision or slow recovery – see a doctor right away.
How can Photokeratitis be Prevented?
There are many things that can be done to prevent this condition from happening to yourself. Preventive measures are as follows:
- Wear eye protection like sunglasses or snow goggles while stepping out in the sun. Sunglasses block up to 99-100% of harmful UV rays.
- Wrap-around sunglasses are also right as they block UV rays from all sides including sideways.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to save your eyes and face from direct UV exposure.
- If your job is such that you require to spend a lot of time being exposed to ultraviolet radiation, then wear proper eye protective equipment.
- Do not stare at machines like lasers and lamps for long.
- While using a tanning bed, make sure to wear protective eye gear, always. Try to keep your eyes closed.
Prevention – Protecting Your Eyes From UV Exposure
Prevention remains the most effective approach. Key steps:
- Wear full-coverage sunglasses or goggles that block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation; mostly wrap-around styles or models with side protection.
- Wear a wide-brim hat in the sun, use proper eye protection when working around very bright lights like welding arcs and tanning lamps
- If you are working near a source of UV radiation or participating in activities in the sun, protect your eyes from damaging UV and minimize direct exposure.
Photokeratitis Follow up
Follow-up visits to the eye doctor are always recommended within 2-3 days of the initial diagnosis to ensure that the treatment is going fine. Any recurrence of pain or redness in the eyes should be promptly re-evaluated.
Centre for Sight is always just a call away when it comes to quality eye care. More than two decades of experience in eye care defines the expertise of CFS. Strategically CFS locations in New Delhi and other parts of the country, the CFS team’s objective is to help all people struggling with eye disorders, diseases, and problems. Ultraviolet keratitis can be treated when you have the right doctor to guide you and help you sail smoothly through the journey of recovery. If you or any of your loved ones are dealing with this problem, it is time to get the right treatment.
FAQs
What is photokeratitis?
Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, similar to a sunburn of the eyes.
What are the common symptoms of photokeratitis?
Symptoms include eye pain, redness, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. They usually start a few hours after UV exposure.
What causes photokeratitis?
It is caused by UV rays from sunlight, snow glare, welding arcs, tanning beds, and other UV-emitting sources.
How is photokeratitis treated?
Treatment includes resting the eyes, avoiding bright light, using artificial tears, and taking pain relief if needed. Most cases heal within 1 to 3 days.
How can photokeratitis be prevented?
You can prevent it by wearing UV-protective sunglasses or goggles, using proper eye protection at work, and avoiding direct UV exposure.
What is photokeratitis and how does it affect the eyes?
Photokeratitis is an eye condition caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays that damages the cornea. It feels similar to a sunburn and can lead to pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
How long does photokeratitis take to heal?
Photokeratitis usually heals on its own within 24 to 72 hours as the cornea repairs itself, especially when the eyes are rested and protected from bright light.
When should I see a doctor for photokeratitis?
You should consult an eye doctor if the pain is severe, vision remains blurred, or symptoms do not improve within two to three days.
Can photokeratitis cause long-term eye problems?
Most cases do not cause permanent damage, but repeated UV exposure without proper eye protection may increase the risk of future eye conditions.
How can photokeratitis be prevented effectively?
Photokeratitis can be prevented by wearing UV-protective sunglasses or goggles, using eye protection during welding or tanning, and limiting direct sun exposure.
