Welder's Flash

Arc weld keratitis usually takes 24 to 72 hours toget better.

The flash from welding can cause your cornea in your eye to become inflamed (swollen).

Symptoms:

• Your eye (s) are bothered by light
• Pain in your eye (s)
• Watery eye(s) (teary)

Treatment:

Arc weld keratitis will take 24 to 72 hours to get better.

• Lie down and rest with both eyes closed.
• Do not read or watch TV. You could listen to the radio or music instead.
• Do not drive unless you can see like you usually can.
• Try to stay out of bright lights. You could wear dark lens glasses.
• To help with the pain, you could use lubricating drops like Isoptotears. Ask the pharmacist if unsure.
• For pain, you could take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). You should follow the directions on the container or ask the pharmacist. Do not take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications if you are taking ticlid or coumadin, have a history of a hiatus hernia, stomach ulcers, or you are allergic to aspirin.\

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Your pain gets worse or lasts longer than 48 hours.
• You have a hard time to see.

Have your eye(s) rechecked within 72 hours by your doctor or by the Emergency Department doctor.