What is Electroophthalmia?
Electroophthalmia (commonly called photokeratitis or UV keratitis) is a painful eye condition caused by UV radiation damage to the cornea. It’s essentially a “sunburn of the eye.”
Key Facts (American Academy of Ophthalmology [AAO]):
✔ Most often caused by welding arcs (without protection), sun reflection off snow/water, or tanning beds
✔ Symptoms typically appear 6-12 hours after exposure
✔ Usually heals within 24-48 hours with proper care
✔ Not contagious, but can affect both eyes
Types (AAO & CDC)
- Welder’s Flash – From welding torch UV exposure
- Snow Blindness – From UV reflection off snow/ice
- Solar Retinopathy – Rare, from directly viewing eclipses/sun
Symptoms (Mayo Clinic)
✔ Severe eye pain (like sand in eyes)
✔ Redness and swelling
✔ Watery eyes
✔ Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
✔ Blurred vision
✔ Eyelid twitching
✔ Temporary vision loss (severe cases)
Diagnosis (AAO)
- Slit-lamp exam (checks for corneal damage)
- Fluorescein stain (reveals corneal abrasions)
- Patient history (recent UV exposure)
Treatment (NIH)
Immediate:
- Get to a dark room
- Remove contact lenses
- Use preservative-free artificial tears
- Apply cool compresses (not ice)
Medical:
- Antibiotic ointment (prevent infection)
- Pain relief (oral NSAIDs)
- Cycloplegic drops (reduce spasms)
- Never rub eyes (can worsen damage)
Prevention (CDC)
✔ Wear UV-blocking goggles when welding
✔ Use 100% UV sunglasses outdoors
✔ Wear wide-brimmed hats in bright sun
✔ Never look directly at solar eclipses
✔ Follow tanning bed safety protocols
Red Flags – When to See a Doctor (AAO)
Seek emergency care if:
- Symptoms worsen after 24 hours
- Vision loss persists >2 days
- Pus or discharge appears (sign of infection)
- Pain becomes unbearable
- You welded without protection and have symptoms
