What is Welder’s Eye? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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.

What is Welder’s Eye?

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.

What Causes Welder’s Eye?

Welder’s Eye can be caused by a few different factors. Here are the main culprits:

• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: As mentioned earlier, the intense UV rays from welding arcs can burn the cornea. This can occur in every type of welding process. There can be significant damage, even with brief exposure.
• Inadequate Eye Protection: Not wearing a welding helmet with the proper lens shade or failing to wear eye protection altogether leaves the eyes vulnerable to Welder’s Eye.
• Improper Safety Practices: Poor safety measures such as working without shielding, welding in poorly lit areas, or not keeping a safe working environment increase the risk of eye damage.

By acknowledging these mistakes and adhering to proper safety procedures, you’ll be able to prevent Welder’s Eye and its troublesome symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Welder’s Eye?

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:

Pain and Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)

One of the most immediate and intense symptoms of Welder’s Eye is a sharp, burning pain in the eyes, often described as the sensation of sand or grit under the eyelids. This discomfort is usually paired with extreme sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. Welders experiencing this may struggle to keep their eyes open in bright environments or even under indoor lighting.

Redness and Swelling

Alongside the pain, the eyes often appear bloodshot and visibly inflamed. This happens because UV radiation irritates the cornea and surrounding tissues, triggering an inflammatory response. Swelling may extend to the eyelids, making the eyes feel heavy, sore, and difficult to open fully.

Tearing and Watery Eyes

In an attempt to soothe and cleanse the affected area, the eyes will typically produce an excessive amount of tears. This overproduction can result in constantly watery eyes, streaked cheeks, and intermittent blurred vision. The constant tearing may also make it difficult to focus or perform detailed tasks.

Headaches

Because the eyes are strained and hypersensitive, it’s common to develop headaches, especially when trying to focus or when exposed to bright lights. The combination of eye pain, tension from squinting, and disrupted sleep due to discomfort often intensifies these headaches.

Temporary Vision Loss

In more severe cases, inflammation of the cornea can lead to temporary vision loss or significant visual distortion. While this condition is usually reversible with rest and proper care, it can be alarming and disorienting while it lasts, impairing the ability to safely work or even move around without assistance.

When Do Symptoms Appear?

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.

How Do You Treat Welder’s Eye?

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:

Immediate First Aid

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.

• Flush with water: If any particles or debris are in your eyes, rinse them with clean water to remove any irritants.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes may make the irritation worse and could introduce bacteria, leading to infection.

Medical Treatment

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.

Home Remedies

While you wait for the condition to improve, there are several things you can do at home to soothe your eyes:

• Use artificial tears: These can help relieve dryness and irritation.
• Cold compress: Applying a cool compress over your closed eyelids may help reduce swelling and pain.

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.

How can Welder’s Eye be Prevented?

Welder’s Eye is a troublesome condition, but luckily, it is preventable. Below are some key safety measures to keep in mind:

Wear the Right Protective Gear

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.

Use Protective Eyewear

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.

Practice Safe Welding Habits

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.

Regular Safety Checks

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.

Get High-Quality Pipe Fitting Tools with H&K Fabrication

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!