Do not wear protective masks

Recently, Master Xu from Jinhua's Licheng District, along with his wife, rushed to Jinhua Eye Hospital for an emergency consultation.

Master Xu works as a maintenance technician. On the afternoon of that day, after finishing his shift, he noticed a small issue with a machine that required welding. A colleague advised him to wear a protective mask, but Master Xu dismissed the warning, thinking it would be quick and not worth the effort. Without any protection, he started welding immediately. By 10 PM that night, after turning off the TV and going to bed, he suddenly felt severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, a headache, and swelling of the eyes. Panicked, his wife quickly took him to Jinhua Eye Hospital for urgent care.

Upon examination, doctors diagnosed Master Xu with photokeratitis, also known as electric ophthalmia. This condition is an acute inflammation caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which damage the corneal epithelium and conjunctiva.

According to Li Tian, director of the hospital’s inpatient department, photokeratitis—commonly referred to as UV eye injury—is a result of overexposure to UV radiation. In natural environments, such as high altitudes where the atmosphere is thinner, UV rays are less scattered and absorbed, increasing the risk of eye damage. Areas like glaciers, snow-covered regions, and deserts can reflect intense UV light, further contributing to eye injuries. In industrial settings, workers involved in welding or gas cutting often suffer from this condition if they don’t use proper protective gear like safety goggles or masks. The UV rays emitted during the welding arc can directly harm the eyes.

After UV exposure, symptoms typically appear 6 to 8 hours later, known as the incubation period. During this time, the cornea and conjunctiva may experience cell necrosis and shedding, leading to severe discomfort. Common symptoms include a foreign body sensation, intense eye pain, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and a burning sensation on the face. The eyes may become red and inflamed, with the corneal epithelium showing signs of flaking or peeling. The longer the exposure, the more severe the damage. As the corneal epithelium sheds, nerve endings become exposed, causing significant pain. These symptoms usually last for 6 to 8 hours before gradually subsiding, with full recovery taking 2 to 3 days.

Li Tian recommended that those affected by photokeratitis should apply a cold, damp towel over their closed eyes, rest, avoid bright lights, and minimize eye movement to reduce friction. Using antibiotic eye drops or ointments can help prevent infections, while epidermal growth factor drops and artificial tears may aid in the healing of the corneal epithelium.

He also reminded that most patients recover within 1 to 3 days without long-term complications. However, repeated or prolonged exposure to UV rays could lead to chronic conditions like blepharitis. Therefore, it's crucial to take preventive measures when working in environments with potential UV exposure.

China Labor Insurance Network