Do your eyes feel like they're burning? Let's talk about Photokeratitis!

After coming home from a long day in the sun, or after staring at a welder for a while, have your eyes become red, burning, and painful as they tear up? Do you feel like you have sand in your eyes? Many people have experienced this. This is what we call "Photokeratitis" in medical terms. Don't worry, let's talk about it simply.

What exactly is Photokeratitis?

Simply put, it's like getting sunburned. But it's not your skin that's getting sunburned, it's your eyes. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays damages the surface of the eye. This damage mainly affects the clear, clear part of the eye, the cornea, and the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, the conjunctiva .

This condition usually affects both eyes at the same time. People call it by different names depending on the cause.

• Snow blindness: This is the name given to the condition of photokeratitis that occurs when sunlight reflecting off snow hits the eyes in snowy areas. The air in mountainous areas is thinner, so there is less protection from UV rays, so this risk is higher.
• Arc eye / Welder's flash: This is the name given to the condition caused by exposure to the intense light (welding arc) during welding. Many people in our country have experienced this.

What are the symptoms of this?

Photokeratitis does not cause symptoms immediately. It usually starts a few hours after exposure to UV rays. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms.

These symptoms usually last between 6 and 24 hours. But they usually resolve completely within 48 hours. The longer you are exposed to UV rays, the more severe the symptoms may become.

What causes photokeratitis?

The main cause is ultraviolet (UV) rays. Both UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun can cause short-term and long-term damage to our eyes. Fortunately, the other type, UV-C, is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the ground.

In addition to sunlight, here are some other UV sources that can cause this condition:

• Reflected sunlight: Sunlight reflected from surfaces such as snow, ice, water, sand, or cement is also very strong. This risk is greater when you are at the beach.
• Welding equipment: The intense light produced during welding (arc welding).
• Tanning beds: Lamps used to tan the skin.
• Some types of lamps: Some lamps such as mercury vapor lamps, halogen desk lamps.
• Medical light: Specialized UV light sources used for disinfection or for certain treatments.

Who is most at risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

• If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun, participating in activities like hiking, skiing, or swimming.
• If you work in a job that involves working with UV light sources, such as welding .
• **If you live in a high altitude area.

Could this have long-term effects?

Photokeratitis is usually a temporary condition, but continued exposure to even small amounts of UV rays can cause long-term problems.

• Cataract: Clouding of the lens of the eye.
• Macular Degeneration: Loss of central vision as you age.
• Growth of tissue on the surface of the eye: Growth of tissue on the surface of the eye, such as `pingueculae` and `pterygia`, can occur. These can be prevented by wearing sunglasses.

Also, remember that the blue and purple light emitted from LED lights, computers, and smartphones can also be harmful to the retina in the long term.

What should you do if you develop photokeratitis?

If you start to feel symptoms, don't panic and do these things.

Things you can do at home

1. Go indoors immediately: Stay away from UV rays. Stay in a dark room if possible.

2. Remove contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately.

3. Don't rub your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can further damage the cornea.

4. Apply a cold towel: Close your eyes and place a clean cloth soaked in cold water over them. This will reduce inflammation and pain.

5. Give your eyes a break: Close your eyes and relax.

6. Wear sunglasses: If you feel uncomfortable in bright light even indoors, wear sunglasses.

7. Use artificial tears: These can help reduce dryness and itching in the eyes. However, it is best to consult your doctor before using them.

8. Painkillers: You can take a painkiller like ibuprofen. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

How to protect yourself from this situation?

Photokeratitis is a completely preventable condition. The steps to take to prevent it are very simple.

• Wear good sunglasses: Whenever you go outside, wear good quality sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of UV rays . Wrap-around types are best. Even on cloudy days, UV rays still reach the ground, so it's important to wear sunglasses.
• Wear a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can reduce direct sunlight exposure to the eyes.
• Wear protective equipment at work: If you are welding or working in an environment that emits UV rays, be sure to wear appropriate safety glasses or face shields.
• Get your eyes checked annually: Visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year to have your eyes checked.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

Most of the time, this is not a serious condition. However, if you have any of the symptoms below, see a doctor immediately.

• If your vision is lost or very weak.
• If pain and symptoms persist for more than two days.
• If home treatments do not help.

In such a case, it is best to go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) . Explain to the doctor how you were exposed to UV rays (such as being in the sun, looking at welding).