Corneal Flash Burns
Corneal flash burns are painful injuries to the cornea caused by intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or other high-energy light sources. The medical term often used for this condition is photokeratitis. A corneal flash burn is similar to a sunburn of the eye. The epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, becomes damaged after brief but intense exposure. Symptoms often appear several hours after exposure.
Symptoms:
· Eye pain or severe discomfort.
· Redness.
· Watery eyes (excess tearing).
· Blurred vision.
· Light sensitivity (photophobia).
· Gritty or foreign-body sensation.
· Difficulty keeping the eyes open.
Causes: Corneal flash burns result from exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation without proper eye protection.
· Welding arcs (welder’s flash).
· Sunlight reflected off snow or water (snow blindness).
· Tanning beds.
· High-intensity lighting.
· Industrial or medical UV light sources.
Diagnosis and Tests: Diagnosis is based on exposure history, symptom timing, and slit-lamp examination of the cornea. Special eye drops may be used to highlight epithelial damage.
Management and Treatment:
· Supportive care: Most cases heal within 24 to 72 hours. Treatment focuses on comfort and surface healing.
· Medications: Prescription eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and control pain when needed.
· Protective measures during healing: Patients should avoid bright light, wear sunglasses, and avoid contact lens use until healing is complete.
Prognosis: The prognosis is generally excellent, with full recovery expected in most cases without permanent vision damage.
Prevention: Corneal flash burns are preventable with proper eye protection, including UV-blocking eyewear during high-risk activities.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Seek medical care if pain is severe, vision remains blurred after 24 hours, or symptoms worsen.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room? Emergency care is needed for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or signs of additional eye injury.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider?
· Is this a corneal flash burn or another eye injury?
· How long will symptoms last?
· What treatments can reduce pain?
· When can I return to work or activities?
· How can I prevent this in the future?
Key Takeaways:
· Corneal flash burns are UV-related injuries to the cornea.
· Symptoms often begin hours after exposure.
· Most cases heal fully within a few days.
· Proper eye protection is the best prevention.