A 22-year-old male asked:
my husband is a pipe welder, he burned his eyes last night at work and when he woke up this morning his eyes are red and his eyes lids are swollen?
2 doctor answers

Dr. Michael Ham answered
27 years experience Ophthalmology
Keratitis: He has uv exposure keratitis, especially if both eyes are affected. This is a condition where the epithelium (skin layer of the cornea) is damaged by the exposure to uv light from welding. When sleeping a portion of the epithelium will slough (fall off due to the layer being damaged), leaving like a large corneal abrasion. May take 3-7 days to recover. See an eye md.
Answered on Apr 2, 2013

Dr. Jon Fishburn answered
30 years experience Ophthalmology
Flash burn?: He probably had a flash burn den the welding arc resulting in a ultraviolet induced keratitis (cornea inflammation). Currently i rec copious lubrication using lacrilube (artificial tears) or genteal gel. Occasionally i prescribe ketorolac ophthalmic drops but often not necessary. Pain medicine like Ibuprofen is fine to take. If he is really bothered, an exam by an eye md is necessary. A dilating drop may be prescrib.
Answered on Jun 25, 2014
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