Photokeratitis
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2017) |
Photokeratitis | |
---|---|
Specialty | Ophthalmology |
Photokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis is a painful eye condition caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from either natural (e.g. intense direct or reflected sunlight) or artificial (e.g. the electric arc during welding) sources. Photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva.
The injury may be prevented by wearing eye protection that blocks most of the ultraviolet radiation, such as
Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms include pain, intense
Cause
Any intense exposure to UV light can lead to photokeratitis.
Diagnosis
Fluorescein dye staining will reveal damage to the cornea under ultraviolet light.[8]
Prevention
Photokeratitis can be prevented by using sunglasses or eye protection that transmits 5–10% of visible light and absorbs almost all UV rays. Additionally, these glasses should have large lenses and side shields to avoid incidental light exposure. Sunglasses should always be worn, even when the sky is overcast, as UV rays can pass through clouds.[9]
The
In the event of missing sunglass lenses, emergency lenses can be made by cutting slits in dark fabric or tape folded back onto itself.[12] The SAS Survival Guide recommends blackening the skin underneath the eyes with charcoal (as the ancient Egyptians did) to avoid any further reflection.[13][14]
Treatment
The pain may be temporarily alleviated with anaesthetic
See also
- Actinic conjunctivitis
- Eye black
- Glare (vision)
- Health effects of sun exposure
- Over-illumination
- Photic retinopathy
References
- ^ "Arc eye – General Practice Notebook". 2007-03-25. Archived from the original on 2007-03-25. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
- ^ Porter, Daniel (February 16, 2019). "What is Photokeratitis — Including Snow Blindness?". American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
- ^ "Review of Photokeratitis: Corneal response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure*". The South African Optometrist. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ^ "A Review of Biological Effects and Potential Risks Associated with Ultraviolet Radiation as used in Dentistry". FDA, The US Bureau of Radiological Health. 1975. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Brozen, Reed; Christian Fromm (February 4, 2008). "Ultraviolet Keratitis". eMedicine. Retrieved November 19, 2008.
- ^ "Snow blindness". General Practice Notebook. Retrieved November 19, 2008.
- ^ "Sun Safety". University of California, Berkeley. April 2005. Retrieved November 19, 2008.
- ^ Reed Brozen (15 April 2011). "Ultraviolet Keratitis". Medscape.com. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
- ^ Butler, Frank Jr. "Base Camp MD – Guide to High Altitude Medicine". Archived from the original on October 5, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2008.
- ^ Jessica Stewart (2021-12-17). "Indigenous People in Alaska Invented Snow Goggles Centuries Ago To Protect Eyes and Improve Vision".
- ISBN 978-87-635-1233-6.
- ^ Henry, Jeff. Survive: Snow Country. p. 107.
- ISBN 0-00-718330-5.
- ^ "Egyptian Make Up". King-tut.org.uk. 2007-05-29. Archived from the original on 2012-01-26. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
- ^ "Photokeratitis (Ultraviolet [UV] burn, Arc eye, Snow Blindness)". The College of Optometrists. April 4, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
- PMID 23118524.