What to do if your eyes are burned by welding light

Eye burns from welding light are quite common for welders. This is because the epithelial cells and conjunctiva of the eyes absorb a large amount of strong ultraviolet rays, which can cause acute inflammation of the eyes. The welders will experience unbearable pain and constant tears, which can cause conjunctival congestion and edema. At this time, certain treatments should be carried out in time. Cold compresses and certain eye drops can be used for treatment.

Dangers of burns from electric welding

Photoelectric conjunctivitis, also known as ultraviolet eye injury, is caused by damage to the conjunctiva and cornea due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. In nature, such as in mountainous areas where the air is thin, the atmosphere's absorption and scattering of ultraviolet rays is reduced. In dazzling areas such as glaciers, snowfields, and deserts, the ultraviolet content of reflected light increases, which can cause eye damage.

What to do if your eyes are burned by welding light

In industry, when electric welding or gas welding is performed, eye damage is often caused by the large amount of ultraviolet rays emitted from the arc during welding without wearing protective glasses or masks. The characteristic of this disease is that the disease usually occurs 6 to 8 hours after the eyes are exposed to ultraviolet rays. This period is called the incubation period. Because after ultraviolet rays act on the cornea and conjunctiva, some epithelial cells will necrotize and fall off after 6 to 8 hours. The symptoms are most serious at this time. Initially, there is a foreign body sensation, followed by severe eye pain, severe eyelid spasm, photophobia, tearing, and a burning sensation on the face.

The patient's face and eyelids are red and swollen, the conjunctiva is congested and edematous, and the corneal epithelium in the palpebral fissure has spots or flaky exfoliation. The longer the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, the more epithelium is shed. Due to the shedding of the corneal epithelium, the nerve endings between the epithelium are exposed, which is the cause of eye pain. The above symptoms may last for 6 to 8 hours, then gradually ease and fully recover in 2 to 3 days.

After photoelectric conjunctivitis occurs, you can apply a towel soaked in cold water to your eyes, close your eyes and rest, reduce light stimulation, and minimize eye movement and friction. Antibiotic eye drops or eye ointments can be used to prevent infection, or epidermal growth factor eye drops or artificial tear eye drops can be used in combination to promote the repair of the corneal epithelium.

Most patients recover within 1 to 3 days after onset, and generally no permanent damage is caused. However, avoid being injured by ultraviolet rays multiple times or for a long time to avoid causing chronic blepharitis.