Temporary painful blindness caused by ultraviolet rays, especially in arc welding.
Damage to the corneal surface of the eye caused by ultraviolet light from arc welding. A painful condition, it usually heals if the eyes are covered with pads for a day or two. It can be prevented by the proper use of protective goggles. A similar condition occurs in snow-blindness or when someone fails to protect the eyes when using suntan lamps.
Eye burn caused when welders fail to wear protective eye shields while welding or following extended periods of welding even though protective eye gear was worn. Irrigation of the eyes with copious amounts of sterile saline may be necessary for several hours in addition to pain medication and instillation of anti-inflammatory eye drops and other medications.