If you’ve ever welded without proper eye protection—even for just a few seconds—you might have experienced Welder’s Eye, also known as arc eye or photokeratitis. It’s that awful burning, gritty sensation that makes it feel like you’ve got sand stuck in your eyes. The good news? It’s temporary. The bad news? It’s painful, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term vision problems. But here’s the thing: Welder’s Eye is 100% preventable. Whether you’re an experienced welder or just getting started, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments can save you from unnecessary pain. More importantly, knowing how to properly protect your eyes can prevent long-term vision issues.
Welder’s Eye, also known as arc eye or photokeratitis, is a painful eye condition caused by overexposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) light, often from welding arcs. The UV rays damage the cornea, causing a sunburn-like effect. This condition is temporary but can cause severe discomfort, including pain, redness, and swelling. Though the symptoms usually subside within 24 to 48 hours, repeated exposure without protection can lead to long-term, or even permanent, vision issues.
Welder’s Eye can be caused by a few different factors. Here are the main culprits:
By acknowledging these mistakes and adhering to proper safety procedures, you’ll be able to prevent Welder’s Eye and its troublesome symptoms.
The effects of Welder’s Eye usually appear a few hours after exposure to UV radiation, and they can be quite uncomfortable. Here’s what to look for:
One of the most noticeable symptoms of Welder’s Eye is a sharp, gritty pain in the eyes. This is often described as feeling like sand is trapped in the eye, accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light. The welder will likely find it difficult to be in bright environments.
In addition to pain, the eyes will often appear red and inflamed. This is because the cornea and surrounding tissues become irritated from the UV exposure. Swelling in the eyelids and surrounding areas may also occur.
Your eyes will likely produce an excess of tears in an attempt to flush out the irritants. This can result in watery eyes and may lead to blurred vision or difficulty seeing clearly.
As the eyes work harder to focus and cope with the irritation, many individuals experience headaches, particularly when exposed to bright lights.
In severe cases, temporary vision impairment may occur, making it difficult to see clearly. This is typically due to the inflammation and swelling in the cornea.
Symptoms generally appear within 4 to 12 hours after exposure. The peak of discomfort tends to last for about 24 hours but can subside within 48 hours with proper care.
If you experience any of these symptoms after being exposed to the UV radiation of a welding arc, take proper measures.
If you get Welder’s Eye, don’t panic. Most cases resolve on their own, but taking the right steps can help ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Here are the best methods to treat Welder’s Eye:
The first thing you should do is get out of the light. Move to a dimly lit or dark area to reduce the strain on your eyes. Resting in a dark room helps minimize discomfort and gives your eyes time to heal.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, an antibiotic eye ointment or special eye drops may be prescribed to help the cornea heal.
While you wait for the condition to improve, there are several things you can do at home to soothe your eyes:
Although treatment isn’t always necessary, it can help speed up the healing process and keep the eyes protected from further damage. However, the best thing to do is to avoid it in the first place.
Welder’s Eye is a troublesome condition, but luckily, it is preventable. Below are some key safety measures to keep in mind:
Always wear a welding helmet with the proper lens shade to protect your eyes from UV radiation. The lens should meet ANSI Z87.1 standards and the helmet should be properly adjusted to fit securely on your head.
In addition to wearing a helmet, consider using UV-protective goggles or safety glasses, especially when working in confined spaces or near reflective surfaces. If you are working with materials that can reflect the arc’s light, take extra precautions to shield your eyes.
Set up your workspace to minimize UV exposure to yourself and others. Use barriers, shields, or curtains to block the UV rays from scattering and potentially causing harm. Additionally, proper ventilation and lighting reduce the chances of unintentional exposure.
Periodically inspect your protective equipment for wear and tear. A helmet with a cracked lens or faulty seal might not work as intended, so always replace damaged gear immediately.
By taking these simple safety precautions, you’ll be able to avoid Welder’s Eye and stay in tip-top shape while welding parts and making projects.
Welder’s Eye is no joke—it’s painful, frustrating, and can put you out of commission for a day or two. But the good news is that it’s completely preventable if you take the right precautions. If you do end up with Welder’s Eye, don’t panic. Rest your eyes, use artificial tears, and avoid bright light until your vision returns to normal. At H&K Fabrication, we know how important quality tools and safety gear are for welders. That’s why we offer a wide selection of top-tier pipe fitting tools designed to make your job easier and safer. Take a look at our shop today!
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