Arc eye, medically termed photokeratitis, is an injury to the eye’s surface comparable to a sunburn on the skin. It occurs when the cornea is exposed to intense ultraviolet (UV) light, which can come from sources like a welding arc flash, high-powered sunlamps, or even sunlight reflecting off snow or water. The UV radiation damages the delicate, clear layer at the front of the eye. Symptoms are delayed, generally not beginning until six to twelve hours after exposure.
Describing the Pain and Sensation
Arc eye is frequently reported as a painful, gritty feeling. Individuals commonly feel as though they have foreign particles, such as sand or dirt, trapped within the eye, even when none are present. This perception is rooted in physical damage to the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer.
The UV damage causes the superficial corneal cells to become compromised and slough off. This process exposes the dense network of underlying nerve endings, resulting in acute and severe pain. The pain is frequently described as a throbbing or burning sensation, which can make it almost impossible to keep the eyes open.
Accompanying the pain is severe photophobia, an extreme sensitivity to light that makes even dim environments uncomfortable. The eyes will often water profusely (lacrimation) as the body attempts to soothe the irritation. This reaction, along with pronounced redness and sometimes swollen eyelids, usually affects both eyes simultaneously.
The Typical Recovery Timeline
Arc eye begins with the delayed onset of discomfort, typically six to twelve hours after UV exposure. Symptoms tend to peak in severity during the night or shortly after they first appear, often when the pain is most pronounced. This timing is often linked to the body’s natural processes that occur while sleeping.
For the majority of cases, the condition is temporary and self-limiting, meaning the eyes heal without lasting damage. The damaged corneal epithelium has a remarkable ability to regenerate quickly. Most individuals experience a complete resolution of their symptoms within a 24 to 48-hour period from the onset of pain.
In most cases, the irritation and light sensitivity clear quickly. However, in more severe instances, particularly with prolonged or intense exposure, symptoms may take up to three days to fully clear. If symptoms persist beyond the expected 48-hour window, a medical evaluation is warranted.
Immediate Comfort Measures and Care
Several supportive measures can manage the discomfort while the cornea heals. Applying a cold compress or a damp, cool cloth over the closed eyelids can help reduce swelling and provide a soothing effect. Resting the eyes in a dark room or wearing sunglasses to minimize light exposure is effective for reducing photophobia and pain.
It is important to resist the urge to rub the eyes, as this action can worsen the damage to the already compromised corneal surface and potentially introduce infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be taken to help manage the severe pain and general discomfort. If contact lenses were worn at the time of exposure, they should be immediately removed, and their use should be avoided until the eyes have fully recovered.
Seeking professional medical attention is advised if the symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 hours. A doctor should also be consulted if there are any sudden changes in vision, if the pain intensifies, or if the eye pain is accompanied by a fever. Medical treatment may involve prescription eye drops to relax the eye muscles and ease the pain, or an antibiotic ointment to prevent a secondary infection during the healing process.