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Corneal Flash Burns

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

If your eye is not protected, your cornea (the clear layer covering the eyeball) can be burned by a powerful light. Mild flash burns heal in a few days. There usually is no lasting eye damage.

Causes

Welding arcs, sun lamps, and even reflected sunlight can sometimes burn the eye.

Signs/Symptoms

Typically, you'll experience pain, swelling, and blurred vision.

Care

The doctor may prescribe antibiotics for infection and eye patches to ease pain and speed healing. You may also need pain medication.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • If you are wearing one or two eye patches:
    • Do not remove or loosen the patches
    • If both of your eyes are patched, make arrangements for someone to assist you until the patches are removed.
    • Do not drive or operate machinery until both patches are removed.
  • You may use aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for pain.
  • To prevent corneal flash burns:
    • Always wear sunglasses that filter ultraviolet (UV) rays when you are outdoors in intense sunlight. This is especially important around bright, reflective surfaces such as snow, water, sand, or cement, and at high altitudes. 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.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • Your eye pain gets worse.
  • You have any problems with your eye patches.
  • You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking.
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