Eye Injury Prevention

My boyfriend was welding with out eye wear and today he can barely open his eyes what could help?
(11 May 2007)

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Welding emits Ultra Violet radiations (UV) which can cause damage even to bystanders watching the welding process. Welding without protective eye wear is quite a dangerous and careless act. The consequences of such an act can damage the eyes and also cause loss of vision.

Injury caused due to welder’s arc is known as corneal flash burn, welders flash or arc eye.

The cornea is the clear tissue in front of the eyeball that acts as a windshield by protecting the finer structures within. Ultraviolet keratitis or corneal sun burn is a type of sunburn that affects the cornea due to damaging ultra violet light.

Arc welders, tanning booths, flood lamps, halogen lamps, electric sparks, carbon sparks and sunlight are common sources of such damage. Redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, teary eyes and the sensation of a foreign body piercing the eye are common symptoms associated with Ultraviolet keratitis. It is important to consult a medical professional immediately to know the extent of damage.

Incase of slight discomfort or uneasiness you can resort to natural home remedies that can offer the best treatment. Flush your eyes with plain water or a saline solution to brighten them. A paste made of nutmeg and milk applied over the eyes and eyelids can have a cooling effect on the eyes. You can also try using cotton wool pads dipped in cold tea to cool the eyes from eye strain. Cool your eyes by keeping potato pads on your eyelids for a cooling effect. It is advisable to avoid going out in the sun without protective eye wear and try to reduce strain on the eyes until the condition improves.

Dietary intake also plays an important role in restoring visual health. Vitamin A and Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 are the essential vitamins that contribute to healthy eyes and eyesight. The valuable sources of vitamin A are: yogurt, butter, whole milk, egg yolk, carrots, green leafy vegetables, mango, papaya, oranges and melons. Vitamin A deficiency can cause sensitivity to bright lights and also cause visual fatigue or a feeling of persistent tiredness. Sources of vitamin B2 are: banana, tomato, brewers yeast, almonds and sunflower seeds. Maintaining adequate dietary requirements can help improve visual health.

The cornea is known to heal rapidly. The eye strain should be gone within one to two days. Prevent such incidents by wearing protective eye wear or welders mask to avoid injury to the eye.

answered by M W on 30 Apr 2009, 4:04:14

If the burns are severe you should attend the casualty department in case he needs to be admitted for specialized burns treatments - if they tell you that the burns are not severe you should follow the instructions they give you. Should they give you any eye drops make sure that there is not glycerine or propylene glycol in them and use a weak saline solution to bathe the eye instead. Use homeopathic Aconite for the shock and the inflamation also Euphrasia would help the eyes. Please have this checked by professionals in your area first.

answered by J R M on 11 May 2007, 7:47:37

Eye Injury Prevention

My boyfriend was welding with out eye wear and today he can barely open his eyes what could help? (11 May 2007)

My boyfriend was welding with out eye wear and today he can barely open his eyes what could help?
(11 May 2007)