What is it about ?
The eye is made up of several parts. Its outer part is the sclera, also called sclera. It is the white of the eye. On top, there is a thin protective film: the conjunctiva. At the front of the eye, the sclera is extended by a transparent part, the cornea. The cornea is located in front of the iris and the pupil.
Photokeratitis or photoelectric keratoconjunctivitis is an inflammation of the cornea that develops when the eye is overly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This condition can occur for example after a stay at high altitude in full sun (snow blindness), after a solarium session without eye protection or during welding work without protective glasses (welder’s eye).
How to recognize it?
Within 6 to 12 hours of exposure, you may have the impression of getting sand or dust in your eyes. Complaints worsen eventually with sensitivity to light, sharp eye pain, red eyes, and tearing. Usually, the person also has difficulty keeping the eyelids open. Complaints go away spontaneously within a few days.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will make the link between the event and the appearance of complaints. Sometimes the eye exam is made difficult because the person has a tendency to pinch the eyes due to pain and sensitivity to light. Analgesic eye drops (= painkillers) can help relax them. The eyelids are swollen and red. Even the white of the eye is red.
The doctor will first check if there is any foreign object in the eye, as something in the eye causes similar symptoms.
A dye (fluorescein) will be placed on the eye. This reveals the small lesions characteristic of keratitis: superficial point-shaped lesions in the cornea. Serious damage to the cornea is possible.
What can you do ?
Wear suitable glasses when there is a risk of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you still have any complaints, contact the doctor promptly. Do not rub your eyes and possibly apply cold compresses for pain relief. Rest with your eyes closed, or temporarily wear sunglasses.
What can your doctor do?
The doctor will explain to you that overexposure to ultraviolet rays has caused inflammation of the cornea in your eye. He will stress the importance of wearing sufficiently protective sunglasses. As the symptoms usually go away on their own, you will mainly be given a pain reliever (paracetamol) or an anti-inflammatory (in tablets or in the form of eye drops).
If the cornea is damaged, you will be prescribed antibiotic eye ointment. You should not have your eyes checked again unless symptoms worsen or when, despite treatment, no improvement occurs after a few days.
Want to know more?
- Paracetamol – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in eye drops – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
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