When the cornea of the eyes gets exposed to UV rays, a flash burn occurs. As welding torches are the most prevalent cause of these burns, this condition has come to be commonly known as the welder’s flash. In medical terms, however, it is known as UV keratitis. This form of eye damage can happen to anyone who has their eyes exposed to intense ultraviolet light. Besides a welding torch, UV light from other sources can also be responsible for this condition. A few home remedies can help you deal with welder’s flash or prevent it from happening. Read on to know more.
Symptoms Of Welder’s Flash
The flash from the welding torches, known as the welder’s arc, is known to seriously damage the cornea of the eye. This gives welder’s flash its name. The symptoms include (1), (2):
Mild to severe pain in the affected eye (or both the eyes) Increased sensitivity to light Bloodshot eyes Blurry vision Watery eyes Irritation in the eye A feeling that you have got something in the eye
The closest comparison to the pain of welder’s flash is when your eyes get dry and stick to your contact lens, tearing off a tiny layer of corneal cells. The cells grow back quickly, but the pain is intense when it occurs.
What Causes Welder’s Flash?
Ultraviolet radiation from these sources can cause welder’s flash:
Welding torch Direct sunlight Solar eclipse Reflection of the sun on water or snow Lightning Sunlamps (found in tanning salons) Other lamps like halogen lamps, photographer’s flood lamps, etc.
Welder’s flash needs accurate care and treatment since this ophthalmic condition is very painful. In addition to medical treatment, a few home remedies may also help to speed up recovery from this condition. Although these remedies may help ease the symptoms of welder’s flash, opt for medical treatments, ointments, antibiotics, or dilating eye drops to recover faster.
How To Get Rid Of Welder’s Flash
Potatoes Milk Green Tea And Chamomile Tea Bags Ice Pack Cucumber Rose Water Almond Oil Wet Cloth Banana Castor Oil
1. Potatoes
Potatoes offer a cooling effect and reduce inflammation around the affected eye (3). This may reduce the pain and relieve the itchiness and irritation. Potatoes also contain an enzyme called catecholase that may help in reducing water retention under the eyes. However, this effect is not scientifically proven. You Will Need
1 potato A washcloth Water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this 2 times a day.
2. Milk
Breast milk contains multiple components, like lactoferrin, epithelial growth factor (EGF), oligosaccharides, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which can relieve dryness in the eyes (4). It lubricates the eyes and relieves pain. The application of bovine milk lactoferrin was also shown to enhance the healing of the corneal epithelial layer in lab experiments (5). You Will Need
Breast milk/cow milk Cotton ball
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times daily.
3. Green Tea And Chamomile Tea Bags
Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants (tannins) that can help in treating eye problems like stye and conjunctivitis (6). Chamomile tea possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mildly astringent, and healing properties that can soothe irritated skin and treat eye disorders like blocked tear ducts, conjunctivitis, and chronic dry eyes (7). These ingredients may help ease the symptoms of welder’s flash. You can drink green tea daily to improve your eye tear film quality. This will help you recover from welder’s flash and have healthy eyes in the long run (8). You Will Need
A used tea bag
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times daily.
4. Ice Pack
Ice packs are an amazing home remedy to reduce inflammation in the eyes (9). Studies have found that ice packs can help reduce pain and inflammation after eye surgeries (10). These properties can help relieve welder’s flash. You Will Need
Ice pack
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat as often as required.
5. Cucumber
Cucumber is an excellent cooling agent (11). It soothes the dry, itchy, and inflamed skin around the eyes and also hydrates it. It also offers deep moisturization to the affected area. This cooling effect can help reduce irritation in the eye to a certain extent. You Will Need
2 thick cucumber slices
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times daily.
6. Rose Water
Rose water has analgesic and antiseptic properties that can help in treating ocular diseases (12). Eye drops preparations containing rose water as one of the ingredients were shown to relieve conditions like dry eye and conjunctivitis (13). You Will Need
Rose water Cotton balls
What You Have To Do Note: Use cold rose water for faster results. How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times a day.
7. Almond Oil
Studies show that a violet-almond oil combination helped improve tear production and tear film stability in subjects with dry eyes (14). This effect may help reduce eye irritation associated with welder’s flash. You Will Need
1-2 drops of almond oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times daily.
8. Wet Cloth
Using a cool, wet cloth gives relief from the pain and swelling seen with welder’s flash. This home remedy works best until the cloth remains moist. However, it doesn’t yield permanent relief. You Will Need
A soft face towel or napkin Cold water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this 2 times daily.
9. Banana
Bananas are rich sources of potassium and vitamin C. These nutrients may help heal eye fatigue and inflammation. However, there are no scientific studies to support these effects. You Will Need
1/2 banana
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times daily.
10. Castor Oil
Castor oil facilitates lipid production in the eyes and also controls the evaporation of tears (15),(16). This helps soothe eye irritation associated with welder’s flash. You Will Need
Castor oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times every day. In addition to the above-listed remedies, you can also use:
Aloe Vera: Extract aloe vera gel and apply it on the eyes for 5-10 minutes. It not only soothes your eyes but also helps reduce pain and redness as it has healing and anti-inflammatory properties (17).
Coriander Seeds: Soak a teaspoon of coriander seeds in one glass of water overnight. Drink this water the next morning. Coriander has a cooling effect.
Over-The-Counter Medications: Medicines like pain relievers, dilating drops, or antibiotics are usually suggested for flash burns. However, take them only under medical supervision.
The home remedies for welder’s flash treatment listed above may offer relief from pain and inflammation. However, this eye condition may require medical guidance for complete recovery. Hence, consult a doctor if the symptoms persist beyond a week. Here are some more tips for dealing with welder’s eye.
Tips
Wash your hands before touching the eyes to administer any prescribed drops or ointments or use any home remedies.
Take a simple pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol on the first day to deal with the pain. Do not take multiple painkillers. However, you can take a homeopathic eye pain remedy called Ruta 12x safely alone or with OTC painkillers.
Note: Consult your doctor for prescribed medications. Do not self-medicate.
Stay indoors as much as possible to avoid the sun.
Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from dust and dirt. These can also help you as your eyes become sensitive to light after a flash burn.
Avoid stressing your eyes by reading or watching television.
Always wear protective eyewear while welding or even if you venture out into the sun. Use sunglasses that provide both UVA and UVB protection.
How long does welder’s flash last? The cornea usually heals itself in 1-2 days. If it doesn’t, consult an ophthalmologist. Will welder’s flash make you dizzy? Welder’s flash is temporary damage that occurs in the eyes and does not make you feel dizzy. If you have a flash burn from welding, and it is accompanied by dizziness, it is because of the welding fumes. When should you seek medical care? Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following: • Worsening glare • Worsening vision • Blurry vision (not due to the eye drops or ointment) • Seeing flashing spots or light.
