Dr. Orwa Nasser MD MPH - Corneal Flash Burns

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.