Photokeratitis: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Photokeratitis | |||
| image = [[File:Inuit_snow_goggles.jpg|alt=Inuit snow goggles]] | |||
| caption = Traditional Inuit snow goggles used to prevent photokeratitis | |||
| synonyms = Snow blindness, arc eye, welder's flash | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Eye pain]], [[redness]], [[tearing]], [[blurred vision]], [[photophobia]] | |||
| complications = [[Corneal ulcer]], [[infection]] | |||
| onset = Within hours of exposure | |||
| duration = 24 to 48 hours | |||
| causes = [[Ultraviolet]] (UV) light exposure | |||
| risks = [[Sunlight]] reflection from [[snow]], [[water]], [[sand]], or [[welding]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[history]] and [[physical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Conjunctivitis]], [[dry eye syndrome]], [[corneal abrasion]] | |||
| prevention = [[UV protection]] with [[sunglasses]], [[goggles]], or [[face shields]] | |||
| treatment = [[Lubricating eye drops]], [[pain relief]], [[antibiotic ointment]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with proper care | |||
| frequency = Common in high UV exposure environments | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Polar_Bear_cub_with_sunglasses.jpg|Polar bear cub wearing sunglasses to protect against photokeratitis|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Photokeratitis''' is a painful eye condition caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the [[ultraviolet (UV)]] rays from either natural (e.g. intense sunlight) or artificial (e.g. the electric arc during welding) sources. Photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, and is not usually noticed until several hours after exposure. Symptoms include increased tears and a feeling of pain, likened to having sand in the eyes. | '''Photokeratitis''' is a painful eye condition caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the [[ultraviolet (UV)]] rays from either natural (e.g. intense sunlight) or artificial (e.g. the electric arc during welding) sources. Photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, and is not usually noticed until several hours after exposure. Symptoms include increased tears and a feeling of pain, likened to having sand in the eyes. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The principal sources causing photokeratitis are the [[ultraviolet]] rays from the sun, reflection of the sun from snow and ice, and exposure to the UV rays from artificial sources like the electric arc used in welding. | The principal sources causing photokeratitis are the [[ultraviolet]] rays from the sun, reflection of the sun from snow and ice, and exposure to the UV rays from artificial sources like the electric arc used in welding. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of photokeratitis can be uncomfortable and distressing. They include: | The symptoms of photokeratitis can be uncomfortable and distressing. They include: | ||
| Line 13: | Line 32: | ||
* Swelling around the eyes | * Swelling around the eyes | ||
* Temporary vision loss or color changes in vision | * Temporary vision loss or color changes in vision | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of photokeratitis primarily involves protection of the eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that block 99–100% of UV rays, and a hat to block indirect sunlight. For snow sports, well-fitted wrap-around sunglasses or goggles are essential to block sunlight from snow and ice. Welders can prevent photokeratitis by using proper eye protection with the appropriate filters. | Prevention of photokeratitis primarily involves protection of the eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that block 99–100% of UV rays, and a hat to block indirect sunlight. For snow sports, well-fitted wrap-around sunglasses or goggles are essential to block sunlight from snow and ice. Welders can prevent photokeratitis by using proper eye protection with the appropriate filters. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for photokeratitis is primarily supportive. This can include: | Treatment for photokeratitis is primarily supportive. This can include: | ||
| Line 23: | Line 40: | ||
* Taking pain relievers | * Taking pain relievers | ||
* Using a cool, wet compress on the eyes | * Using a cool, wet compress on the eyes | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Snow blindness]] | * [[Snow blindness]] | ||
* [[Ultraviolet keratitis]] | * [[Ultraviolet keratitis]] | ||
* [[Welder's flash]] | * [[Welder's flash]] | ||
[[Category:Eye diseases]] | [[Category:Eye diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Health]] | [[Category:Health]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{Eye diseases}} | {{Eye diseases}} | ||
{{Health}} | {{Health}} | ||
{{Medical conditions}} | {{Medical conditions}} | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:38, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Photokeratitis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Snow blindness, arc eye, welder's flash |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, photophobia |
| Complications | Corneal ulcer, infection |
| Onset | Within hours of exposure |
| Duration | 24 to 48 hours |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure |
| Risks | Sunlight reflection from snow, water, sand, or welding |
| Diagnosis | Based on history and physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, corneal abrasion |
| Prevention | UV protection with sunglasses, goggles, or face shields |
| Treatment | Lubricating eye drops, pain relief, antibiotic ointment |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with proper care |
| Frequency | Common in high UV exposure environments |
| Deaths | N/A |
Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from either natural (e.g. intense sunlight) or artificial (e.g. the electric arc during welding) sources. Photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, and is not usually noticed until several hours after exposure. Symptoms include increased tears and a feeling of pain, likened to having sand in the eyes.
Causes[edit]
The principal sources causing photokeratitis are the ultraviolet rays from the sun, reflection of the sun from snow and ice, and exposure to the UV rays from artificial sources like the electric arc used in welding.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of photokeratitis can be uncomfortable and distressing. They include:
- A sensation of having sand in the eyes
- Pain in the eyes
- Redness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling around the eyes
- Temporary vision loss or color changes in vision
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of photokeratitis primarily involves protection of the eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that block 99–100% of UV rays, and a hat to block indirect sunlight. For snow sports, well-fitted wrap-around sunglasses or goggles are essential to block sunlight from snow and ice. Welders can prevent photokeratitis by using proper eye protection with the appropriate filters.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for photokeratitis is primarily supportive. This can include:
- Avoiding further exposure to the sun or bright light
- Using artificial tears or lubricating ointments
- Taking pain relievers
- Using a cool, wet compress on the eyes
See also[edit]
| Eye diseases and disorders | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This eye diseases related article is a stub.
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