A flash burn is an inflammation of the cornea caused by exposure to bright ultraviolet (UV) light, usually a welding torch. Also called ‘welder’s flash,’ this condition is like sunburn in the eye and can lead to eye infection or vision loss if not treated. Although the cornea can heal itself without leaving a scar, how do you relieve welders flash?
You can relieve welders flash using prescribed antibiotics, dilating drops, eye drops, ornaments, and other medications. Also, you can alleviate the pain by covering your eyes with padded dressing like an eye patch to allow them to rest and heal from the flash burn. However, it’s advisable to visit the doctor to examine the condition and provide treatment.
In this article, you’ll learn about the causes and symptoms of flash burn and how to prevent this injury. You’ll also learn how to care for your eyes at home after a welders flash and know when to seek medical intervention.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Welders Flash?
Generally, exposure to UV light can cause a flash burn for an extended period. Welders are susceptible to flash burn when they tell their naked eyes to the welding torch. Even with a protective eye shield, welders may still have a flash burn if they use the tool for a very long period.
Intense UV rays from direct sunlight can also cause a flash burn to the cornea. Reflection of the sun on water or snow can also result in flash burn when stared at extensively. Also, flashlights and lamps such as halogen or a photographer’s flood lamp and run lamp in a tanning salon can cause a flash burn.
Flashes of lightning during a thunderstorm disperse intense UV light capable of causing a flash burn. Similarly, if you happen to be where the explosion occurred, you may be affected by flash burn if you stared when it took off. A solar eclipse can also cause harm to your cornea when looked at.
A few hours after encountering intense UV light, you would begin to feel mild to severe pain in the eyes. You become uncomfortable with the constant feeling of having something in your eye. You may be unable to open your eyes in a bright environment as your eyes become very sensitive to light.
Exposure to UV light could force tiny blood vessels to break beneath the white layer of the eye, causing redness, otherwise known as bloodshot in the eyes. Your eye may constantly become watery, and you may tear up frequently. If the case is critical, you may experience blurred vision as it becomes difficult to see things.
How Do I Prevent Welders Flash?
To prevent welders flash, you have to completely cover your eyes from UV light by wearing coated safety goggles made to Australian Standards. When purchasing sunglasses, check the label to ensure that they protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Ensure always to use a welder’s mask whenever working with a welding torch.
How Do I Know When to Seek Medical Help?
When welders flash causes blur or change in vision, it means the case is critical, and you should consult your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Also, if you feel e pain when tilting your eyes or if the discomfort worsens after 24 hours, you should seek the doctor’s help. If you have any reason to feel concerned about the condition, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
What Is the Treatment for Flash Burn?
As part of treatment, the doctor may administer some dilating drops to relax the eye muscles, easing the pain and allowing your eyes to rest and heal. The doctor may also cover your eyes with a padded dressing; you are advised not to drive or operate any machinery with an eye patch on. It’s normal for your pupils to look larger than usual for several hours or more a few days, so don’t be afraid.
Antibiotics such as eye drops and ointment may be recommended at home to stop the infection and speed the recovery process. Ensure to follow your doctor’s prescription as to how often to use the eye drops or ointment. Your doctor may also prescribe a mild steroid-based anti-inflammatory eye drop.
After 24 to 48 hours, your doctor may invite you to review your condition and ensure your eyes heal. Usually, problems such as infection wouldn’t show up right away. If your case is severe, your doctor might refer you to see an ophthalmologist for special treatment.
How to Care for Yourself at Home after a Flash Burn
After seeing the doctor, he may prescribe drops or ointment to stop the infection while at home. Ensure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to administer these medications. If not available in the hospital, you can purchase the prescribed medicines at a pharmacy.
First, wash your hands thoroughly before administering drops or ointment to your eyes. To apply drops or ointment, carefully rest your finger on your cheek, then pull down the lower eyelid. Ensure that you only put in the amount prescribed.
Ensure the nozzle of the eye drop or ointment does not touch the eye during administration. Tilt your head backward when applying eye drops, then drop the liquid behind your lower eyelid. As for balms, smear a little quality inside and all through the bottom eyelid.
You will need to keep up with the treatment until you have fully recovered. Store all prescribed eye drops and ointment in the fridge and beyond the reach of children. Ensure to check the packet for the correct dose before taking painkillers such as paracetamol or codeine to ease the pain.
Avoid wearing contact lenses until your cornea has fully healed. However, sunglasses and artificial tears or lubricants can ease discomfort and help if your eyes are sensitive to light. It is essential to go for a regular check-up with your doctor.
