Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is photokeratitis?
- Signs & Symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of photokeratitis (ultraviolet keratitis)?
- Cause
- What causes photokeratitis?
- Diagnosis & Treatment
- How is photokeratitis diagnosed?
- How is photokeratitis treated?
- Home Remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat photokeratitis?
Definition
What is photokeratitis?
Photokeratitis is damage to the cornea of the eye (the transparent membrane in the outer layer of the eye) that is burned as a result of overexposure to UV radiation, either from sunlight or other light sources (such as a camera flash or electric welding equipment).
Burned corneas can cause pain, vision changes, and even permanent blindness.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of photokeratitis (ultraviolet keratitis)?
Symptoms of photokeratitis may include:
- Pain, moderate to severe
- Red eye
- Sensitive to light
- Excessive tears
- Blurry vision
- The sensation of gritty eyes, like feeling twitching all the time
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes photokeratitis?
Photokeratitis is caused by excessive UV radiation burning the cornea. This can be caused by:
- The light on the tanning machine
- Reflection of sunlight from snow or water surfaces
- Camera flash
- Lightning at close range
- Halogen lamp
- Electric welding equipment
- Looking directly at the sun
- Gaze at a solar eclipse with the naked eye
Diagnosis & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is photokeratitis diagnosed?
The doctor will first perform a basic examination test to observe your eyes, and ask questions about your medical history and what radiation exposure you have recently experienced.
- The doctor will examine your eyelids, pupils, and overall vision.
- The eye specialist may examine your eye further using a slit lamp to examine the surface of the lining of the eye in more detail.
- Your doctor may drop a special eye medication that contains a dye (fluorescein) to make your color turn yellow. Your eye will then be flashed a blue light to locate damage to the cornea. This color change is only temporary.
If the doctor finds corneal damage, which is then confirmed due to exposure to UV radiation, then the diagnosis of photokeratitis can be confirmed.
How is photokeratitis treated?
Treatment includes oral pain relievers and special eye drops to prevent further infection. Furthermore, you will be asked to undergo a follow-up examination within 24-48 hours thereafter to ensure that the cornea is recovering.
Home Remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat photokeratitis?
The following lifestyle changes can help you treat photokeratitis at home:
- Remove contact lenses (if wearing them) when you feel eye pain or pain.
- Wear sunglasses if you are sensitive to light. Make sure it has a 100% protection guarantee from UVA and UVB
- Use eye lubricants or artificial tears to moisturize your eyes.
- Wear an eye protection mask when operating electric welding equipment.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
