Corneal Flash Burns

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A corneal (kor-nee-ull) flash burn is also called UV keratitis (kair-uh-ti-tis) or UV keratoconjunctivitis (kair-uh-toe-kun-junk-tih-vi-tis). UV stands for ultraviolet. These are a kind of light rays. Corneal flash burns happen when a very strong light burns the eye. The cornea (kor-nee-uh), the clear layer covering the front of the eyeball, is the part of the eye that is hurt. Mild flash burns heal in a few days. Usually, there is no long-term eye damage, but you should always see a caregiver. If you have a very bad corneal flash burn you may need to go to a special eye doctor or the hospital.
  
  
• Corneal flash burns are caused by something that gives off a very strong light. Some equipment that gives off this kind of light is welding arcs and sun lamps. Sunlight reflecting off something can also cause a corneal flash burn. Skiing without sunglasses is a good example of this. You may feel pain and have swelling of your eye. Your vision (seeing) may be blurred. Brightly lit rooms may bother you. These symptoms may start happening six to twelve hours after your burn.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines. Do not take any medicines without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.
    
    
  • If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• One or both of your eyes have been patched to keep them closed until your follow-up visit. This will make your eyes less painful and will help them heal faster. Do not remove or loosen the eye patches.
  
  
  • Do not drive or operate machinery while your eye is patched.
    
    
  • If both of your eyes are patched, you must have someone stay with you until your eye patches are removed.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
  
  
• Try the following to keep from getting corneal flash burns.
  
  
  • Wear special glasses or goggles when working with welding tools. Glasses or goggles can also protect your eyes if your work may cause other injury to your eyes, such as from sawdust, or pieces of wood or metal.
    
    
  • Always wear sunglasses that filter ultraviolet (UV) rays when you are outdoors in bright sunlight. This includes snow, water, sand, cement, and high altitude. Never look right into the sun.
    
    
  • Always cover your eyes when you use a sun lamp or tanning machine. Closing your eyes or wearing ordinary sunglasses or cotton eye patches will not protect against eye damage.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your eye pain gets worse.
  
  
• You have any problems with your eye patches.
  
  
• You have any problems that may be caused by the medicine you are taking (like a rash, swelling, or itching).

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• If you have trouble breathing and swelling after taking your medicine. Call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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