Arc eye,medically known as photokeratitis,is an injury caused by overexposure of the cornea to ultraviolet radiation. It is effectively a sunburn of the front surface of the eye. In construction and manufacturing, it most commonly results from welding without adequate face protection, working near welders without shade, or exposure to angle grinder sparks over extended periods.
Why the Pain Starts Hours Later
This is the feature that catches workers off guard. Unlike most injuries, arc eye causes no immediate pain at the time of exposure. The UV radiation damages the surface cells of the cornea, but the pain response,intense, gritty, light-sensitive burning,typically develops 6–12 hours later, often waking the worker in the early hours of the morning.
Many workers who spend time near a welding arc at 10am are writhing in pain at 2am with no idea what has happened.
Symptoms
- Intense, gritty pain,described as "sand or glass in the eyes"
- Severe light sensitivity (photophobia),even dim light is unbearable
- Excessive watering and tearing
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Headache
How It Is Treated
As a therapeutically endorsed optometrist, Dr Tahiri can assess and treat arc eye without a GP referral. Treatment typically involves:
- Slit lamp examination to assess the extent of corneal damage
- Lubricating drops to support healing
- Cycloplegic drops to relieve the painful spasm of the iris muscle (a symptom that dramatically worsens pain)
- Topical NSAIDs for pain relief
- Advice on oral analgesia
- Antibiotic cover if the corneal surface is significantly compromised
Most cases of arc eye resolve within 24–72 hours with appropriate treatment. Patching is now generally not recommended as it delays healing.
When to Go to Hospital Instead
Go directly to Westmead Hospital Emergency if: vision is severely reduced, pain is not improving after 72 hours of treatment, or there was direct contact between a welding rod or metal and the eye surface (which may indicate a more serious penetrating injury rather than surface UV burn).
Arc eye? Call us,we see workers same day.
(02) 9761 0005 · Prime Optometrists Auburn · 43 Auburn Rd · Mon–Fri 9:30am–6pm · Sat 9:30am–5pm