EYE PROTECTION WELDER’S FLASH (ARC EYE) “Welder’s Flash” is another name for photokeratitis, a painful eye condition that can happen when unprotected eyes are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Welder’s flash refers to this condition when it is caused by UV rays from a welding torch. It can feel like having a “sunburn” on the eyes. Photokeratitis is also often called arc eye, flash burn, ultraviolet keratitis, and now blindness. WELDER’S FLASH CAUSES ANATOMY OF THE EYE • As the name implies, welders are at risk for photokeratitis when their eyes are exposed to bright flashes or “arcs” of UV radiation while welding. This type of corneal welding injury is also known as “Arc Eye” and “Flash Burn”. • Photokeratitis is caused by your unprotected eyes being exposed to ultraviolet rays. UV exposure damages the epithelium, which is the thin, outer layer of the cornea of your eye. The cornea is the eye’s clear front surface that allows light to enter the eye for vision. The epithelium layer helps spread tear film to keep your eyes moist and maintain good eye health. • When UV exposure damages corneal cells, the cells slough off, leaving corneal nerves beneath exposed and damaged. When a welder’s unprotected eyes are exposed to UV radiation of the welding torch, the resulting “welder’s flash” feels much like a sunburn but even more painful. • But photokeratitis doesn’t affect welders alone. For example, if you’re not wearing protective sunglasses, your eyes are at risk in bright, outdoor setting like snow or water. Your eyes are also at risk in some indoor settings when there are certain types of broken high-intensity bulbs WELDER’S FLASH SYMPTOMS • Symptoms of welder’s flash can show up as early as 30 minutes after UV exposure. However, it can take up to 12 hours for a welder’s flash symptoms to occur. • The most common symptom of welder’s flash is intense pain in the affected eye. You may have pain in both eyes. If each was damaged by UV rays. Welder’s flash can also cause photophobia (light sensitivity), causing headaches and eye discomfort. This medical eye condition can also make you feel like you have dirt or debris in your eye when you don’t. SYMPTOMS OF WELDER’S FLASH INCLUDE: 1 2 3 4 TEARING REDNESS ON THE FACE EYELID REDNESS DECREASED VISION WELDER’S FLASH TREATMENT After examining your eyes, an eye doctor can suggest treatment to help the cornea heal faster. Treatments may include applying a topical antibiotic ointment that prevents bacterial infection. Your eye doctor may suggest applying the ointment throughout the day over the next two or three days. The doctor might also recommend using artificial tears and taking oral pain medication to help with eye discomfort HOW TO PREVENT WELDER’S FLASH • If you’re a welder, wear a protective welding helmet while welding to guard against arc UV light. Welders need to ensure they’re not only using the right protective gear but that it is wellmaintained and functions properly. Welders should regularly inspect their protective masks and replace parts as needed. Even small scratches in the kens could allow the welder’s eyes to be exposed to UV rays. The equipment works in blocking UV light but only if it is not scratched or damaged, so the lens needs to be regularly inspected. • There are many cases of eye injuries in workplaces. Several of them often related to radiation and light. But taking an injury lightly leads to severe consequences. Even if you know how to treat an Arc-eye, it is necessary to get treatment from experts and follow their advice. PROPER PRECAUTION 1. Safety Goggles Wearing safety goggles while dealing with bright light sources. This will decrease the risk of eyes being penetrated with harmful rays. 2. Welding Mask Wear a Welding mask while handling the welding machine. This is a necessary step for welders to prevent Arc eye and other hazards 3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Always maintain wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This is necessary to follow in workplaces where people have to deal with hazardous lights and instruments. 21
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