Corneal Flash Burns
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? 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 the eye is burned by a very strong light. 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.
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Causes: Corneal flash burns are caused by something that gives off a very strong light. Some equipment that gives off this kind of light are 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.
Signs and Symptoms: You may feel pain and have swelling of your eye. Also, your vision (seeing) may be blurred.
Care: Your caregiver may put an antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) eye ointment in your eye and cover it with a patch. You may need medicine to lessen the pain and swelling.
Do's and Don'ts: To keep from getting corneal flash burns, protect your eyes when working with tools or when in sunlight. Wear glasses or goggles especially when working with welding tools. Also wear sunglasses on sunny days. Don't ever look right into a strong, bright light, like the sun.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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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