, also known as '''arc flash''', '''welder's flash''', '''corneal flash burns''', or '''flash burns''', is a painful ocular condition sometimes experienced by
Welder s who have failed to use adequate
Eye protection. It can also occur due to light from
Tanning Beds , light reflected from
Snow (known as
Snow Blindness ),
Water or
Sand . The intense
Ultraviolet light emitted by the arc causes a superficial and painful
Keratitis .
Symptoms tend to occur a number of hours after exposure and typically resolve spontaneously within 36 hours. The sensation has been described as having sand poured into the eyes.
This phenomenon results from intense levels of illumination by ultraviolet light, different than that of more common
Over-illumination found in many factories and offices.
- Instill topical Anaesthesia
- Inspect the Cornea for any foreign body
- Patch the worse of the two eyes and prescribe Analgesia
- Topical antibiotics in the form of eye drops or eye ointment or both should be prescribed for prophylaxis against infection
