Photokeratitis
Photokeratitis (pronounced: fo-toh-ker-uh-tahy-tis) is a painful eye condition that occurs when your eye is exposed to invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. This condition is commonly referred to as snow blindness, although it can occur in many different environments.
Etymology
The term Photokeratitis is derived from the Greek words photo meaning light, kerato meaning cornea, and itis meaning inflammation. Thus, it literally translates to inflammation of the cornea due to light.
Causes
Photokeratitis is usually caused by exposure to strong ultraviolet (UV) light. This can occur in various environments such as snow fields, water bodies, and during welding without proper eye protection. The condition is also common in high-altitude climbers and snow sports enthusiasts due to the intense UV radiation in these environments.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Photokeratitis can be quite uncomfortable and may include:
- Eye pain
- A gritty feeling in the eyes
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision
Treatment
Treatment for Photokeratitis primarily involves managing the symptoms until the eyes heal. This can include:
- Avoiding further exposure to UV light
- Using lubricating eye drops
- Wearing sunglasses to help with light sensitivity
- In severe cases, prescription eye drops or ointments may be required
Prevention
Prevention of Photokeratitis involves protecting the eyes from excessive UV light exposure. This can be achieved by wearing UV-protective sunglasses, using a welding mask when welding, and wearing snow goggles when in snow fields or high-altitude environments.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Photokeratitis
- Wikipedia's article - Photokeratitis
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