Learn about photokeratitis, the sunburn of the eyes, from our optometrist. Understand causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies.
Specialty Vision optometrists have often come across patients who were not aware that the sun could potentially harm their eyes. It's not widely known, but just as your skin can get sunburnt, so too can your eyes, this is especially true for children who are more susceptible to photokeratitis. This condition is called photokeratitis.
According to the World Health Organization, a child will have received 80% of their lifelong UV exposure from the sun by the age of 18. Children are more at risk due to the lack of filtering present in their eye, as well as the increased likelihood of them looking for extended periods of time in the sun. It is important to ensure that your child is wearing UV protection and understands the danger of excessive exposure to the sun.
Photokeratitis is a condition that results from the eyes' overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. In layman's terms, photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn but occurs in the eyes. Some might even call it a snow blindness, as it frequently happens in snowy environments where the UV rays reflect off the white surface and into the eyes. However, this doesn't mean it only happens in the snow. Photokeratitis can occur anywhere as long as the eyes are exposed to intense UV radiation without appropriate protection.
Photokeratitis is primarily caused by exposure to UV radiation. This exposure can harm the cornea, the eye's front surface, leading to symptoms similar to sunburn but affecting the eyes. Below, we delve deeper into the causes and risk factors associated with this condition:
Recognizing the symptoms of photokeratitis can help you seek timely treatment and prevent potential permanent damage. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms typically develop within a few hours post-exposure to the UV light source. It's your eyes telling you they're injured and need care. Ignoring these signs can lead to further discomfort, and while photokeratitis is usually temporary, immediate actions can alleviate symptoms faster.
If you're experiencing these symptoms and suspect you might have photokeratitis, we advise you to seek immediate attention from your eye care professional.
Once photokeratitis occurs, the primary goal is to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. The discomfort, while temporary, can be intense, but with proper care, most people recover fully without long-term damage. Here's how to manage the condition effectively:
It’s crucial to consult with an optometrist if:
An optometrist can provide a comprehensive examination, confirm the diagnosis, and may prescribe additional treatments such as antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection or steroid drops to reduce inflammation. They can also offer tailored advice for your situation, ensuring a safe and speedy recovery.
After recovery, continue to protect your eyes from UV exposure to prevent recurrence. Regular eye exams can help monitor any long-term effects and maintain overall eye health. Education on the risks of UV light and adopting protective habits can make a significant difference in preventing future cases of photokeratitis.
By taking immediate action and implementing these management strategies, you can mitigate the discomfort of photokeratitis and help your eyes recover more comfortably. Remember, proactive protection is the best defense against photokeratitis, ensuring your eyes stay healthy and resilient against the challenges of UV exposure.
One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Is photokeratitis permanent?" While it can cause severe discomfort, photokeratitis usually does not cause permanent damage. The cornea usually heals itself within 24 to 48 hours. However, repeated exposure leading to chronic photokeratitis can cause long-term damage and contribute to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Photokeratitis is known by several alternative names, which often refer to the circumstances that typically cause the condition. Some of these include:
Snow Blindness: This term is used due to the common occurrence of photokeratitis in snowy environments, where UV rays reflect off the snow, causing intense exposure to the eyes.
Arc Eye: This term is often used in industrial settings, as it refers to photokeratitis caused by exposure to the intense light produced by welding arcs.
Ultraviolet Keratitis: This name refers directly to the cause of the condition, which is overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation.
Welder's Flash or Welder's Burn: Similar to 'Arc Eye,' these terms are often used in the context of occupational exposure, specifically in welding, where workers may be exposed to high levels of UV light.
Remember, regardless of the term used, all these conditions refer to the same issue: damage to the cornea due to overexposure to UV light.
Snow blindness is a striking example of how nature's beauty can pose risks to our health, particularly our eyes. This condition, a specific form of photokeratitis, occurs when the eyes are exposed to reflected UV rays from snow or ice. Given the reflective efficiency of snow, which can bounce back as much as 80% of UV rays, the risk of snow blindness is significantly high in snowy environments, even on cloudy days.
Symptoms of snow blindness mirror those of general photokeratitis but might be more intense due to the high levels of UV reflection:
If you're experiencing symptoms like redness, a gritty feeling in your eyes, sensitivity to light, or excessive tearing, don't delay seeking help. Reach out to the listed practice for assistance through a phone call or an in-person visit. Their team of eye care professionals is prepared and equipped to provide you with the necessary care you need.
