What is Arc Eye and Why is it Dangerous?

WRITTEN BY: ROB ROSSETTI

Have you ever had a sudden burning feeling in your eyes after working with bright lights or welding?

It might be more than just a short discomfort.

Arc eye is something that happens to a lot of people who work with strong lights, and many don’t realise how risky it is.

If your eyes aren’t protected, they can get badly damaged.

But what exactly is arc eye, and why is it a problem?

In this article, we’ll look at what the condition is, what causes it, and why it’s something to take seriously.

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Key Takeaways

• Arc eye is basically sunburn on the front of your eye. It happens when strong UV light damages the clear layer at the front, causing pain, redness, and irritation that can feel like there’s sand in your eye.

• It’s most common among welders but can also happen from bright sunlight reflecting off snow or water, UV lamps, or very strong lights. Even short exposure without protection can cause it.

• The main dangers are intense pain, blurry vision, and a higher chance of infection. If it keeps happening without protection, it can lead to longer term eye problems.

• Most cases get better within a day or two with simple care like resting your eyes, using drops, and avoiding bright light. If it lasts longer or gets worse, it’s important to see a doctor.

• The best protection is wearing proper eye gear, staying behind screens when others are welding, and using good sunglasses outside. Simple steps like these can stop arc eye from happening at all.

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What is Arc Eye?

Arc eye is a painful corneal injury caused by intense UV light from welding, which can be prevented with proper eye protection.

Arc eye is an injury to the eye caused by strong UV light.

It affects the clear layer at the front of the eye, known as the cornea.

When this layer gets too much UV, it becomes swollen and sore.

It’s a bit like getting sunburn, but on the surface of your eye instead of your skin.

Welders often get it if they don’t wear proper eye protection.

The problem usually goes away on its own, but it can be really painful while it lasts.

If it happens again and again without protection, it can lead to lasting damage to your eyes.

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What Causes Arc Eye?

Arc eye is caused by overexposure of the cornea to intense UV light from welding, bright sunlight, or other strong sources like UV lamps.

Arc eye happens when the clear front part of the eye gets too much strong ultraviolet (UV) light.

This causes swelling and irritation, a bit like getting sunburn on your skin.

Several things can lead to it.

Welding and Cutting

The most common cause is working with welding or cutting tools.

The bright UV light from these can damage your eyes if you don’t wear proper protection.

Even a short exposure can cause symptoms.

It can also be caused by plasma cutting.

Sunlight and Reflections

Spending a long time in bright sunlight, especially when it bounces off snow, water, or sand, can have the same effect.

This is sometimes called snow blindness.

UV lamps and Lasers

UV lamps, tanning beds, and industrial lasers give off strong UV light.

Looking at them without eye protection can damage the front of the eye.

Bright Lights

Very strong halogen or LED lights used in construction, photography, or on stage can also cause arc eye if you look at them directly for too long.

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Why is Arc Eye Dangerous?

Arc eye is dangerous because it causes intense pain, blurred vision, infection risk, and can lead to permanent eye damage if untreated or repeated.

Arc eye is more than just a bit of irritation.

If it’s not treated, it can lead to serious problems with your vision and eye health.

Pain and Discomfort

Arc eye makes your eyes feel like they’re burning.

The front of the eye gets inflamed, so even blinking can hurt.

The pain can be bad enough to stop you from doing normal things or getting a good night’s sleep.

Affects Your Vision

You might get blurry vision and watery eyes.

This makes it hard to see clearly and can be risky if you’re working with machinery or in dangerous conditions.

More Likely to Get Infected

When the front of the eye is damaged, bacteria can get in more easily.

This can lead to infections (like keratitis) that, if not treated quickly, might cause lasting vision problems.

Lasting Damage to Your Eyes

If you keep getting exposed to strong UV light without protection, it can lead to long term issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, or other eye problems over time.

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What are the Symptoms of Arc Eye?

Arc eye causes burning pain, redness, watering, light sensitivity, and blurry vision a few hours after UV exposure.

Arc eye symptoms usually show up a few hours after exposure to strong UV light and can get worse as time goes on.

The condition affects the front of the eye, causing pain and discomfort.

Here are the most common signs.

Pain and Irritation

One of the first things people notice is a burning or gritty feeling, almost as if there’s sand in the eye.

The pain can start mild but often gets worse, making it hard to keep your eyes open.

Red and Swollen Eyes

The eyes can turn red and become inflamed.

The eyelids may also swell, which makes blinking uncomfortable.

Watery Eyes and Tearing

Your eyes may start watering a lot as a reaction to the damage.

This can make your vision blurry for a while.

Sensitivity to Light

Bright lights can suddenly feel unbearable, so you might find yourself keeping your eyes closed or staying in dark rooms until it passes.

Blurry Vision or Temporary Loss of Sight

Vision often becomes blurry, and in more serious cases, some people lose their sight for a short time.

This usually improves as the eye heals, but it can be worrying while it lasts.

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How is Arc Eye Treated?

Arc eye is usually treated with rest, cold compresses, lubricating eye drops, painkillers, and sometimes antibiotics to speed recovery and prevent infection.

Arc eye usually gets better on its own within a day or two, but there are things you can do to ease the pain and help it heal faster.

Here are the most helpful steps.

Rest Your Eyes

The best thing you can do is let your eyes recover.

Stay away from bright lights and screens, and try to keep your eyes closed as much as possible.

Cold Compress

Putting a cold compress or a damp cloth over your closed eyelids can help reduce swelling and make you feel more comfortable.

Eye Drops

Artificial tears or lubricating drops can soothe the irritation and keep your eyes from feeling dry.

Take Pain Relief

Over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help with the pain and reduce any swelling.

Antibiotic Drops

In some cases, a doctor might give you antibiotic drops or ointment to stop an infection while the eye heals.

Stay Away From Bright Lights

Avoid bright lights and wear sunglasses to stop the symptoms from getting worse.

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How Long Does Arc Eye Last?

Arc eye usually lasts 24 to 48 hours, with symptoms easing gradually as the eye heals naturally.

Arc eye is usually a short term problem.

Most people start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours as the front of the eye heals on its own.

Mild cases can clear up in just a day, while stronger irritation might take up to three days to fully settle.

During this time, the pain, redness, and sensitivity to light usually ease off gradually.

Looking after your eyes properly can help it pass quicker.

This means using eye drops to keep them moist, resting your eyes as much as possible, and staying away from bright light.

In rare cases, if the damage is worse or an infection sets in, it can take longer to heal.

If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, get worse, or you notice changes in your vision, it’s important to see a doctor.

To help things improve faster, try not to rub your eyes and stay in a dimly lit room.

With the right care, most people get back to normal quickly and without any lasting problems.

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How Can You Protect Yourself from Arc Eye?

Protect yourself from arc eye by always wearing proper UV-blocking eye protection, using welding screens, and avoiding direct exposure to bright arcs.

Preventing arc eye is important if you work with bright lights or welding machines.

Here are some simple steps that can help keep your eyes safe.

Eye Protection

The most effective way to avoid arc eye is to wear proper eye protection.

If you weld, use a welding helmet/mask with the right shade filter to block the harmful light.

If you work near welding areas, wear safety goggles that block UV rays.

And if you want to stay even safer from the dangers of welding, get yourself an air fed welding mask.

Screens and Barriers

If you are near someone who is welding, stay behind a welding screen or curtain.

These barriers help block the strong light and reduce your exposure.

Don’t Look Directly at the Light

Never look straight at a welding arc without protection.

Even a quick glance can cause damage.

If you have to be in the area, make sure your eyes are properly shielded.

Wear Good Sunglasses Outside

When working outdoors, choose sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays.

This helps protect your eyes from reflections off snow, water, or sand.

Make the Workplace Safer

Employers should make sure everyone follows safety rules and uses the right protection and screens.

Training sessions can also help workers understand the risks and how to stay safe.

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FAQ

How common is arc eye, and who is most at risk?

It’s quite common among welders and people who work with bright lights or outdoors in reflective conditions.

Anyone who spends time around strong UV sources without proper eye protection can get it, not just professionals.

Can arc eye happen from looking at screens or phones?

No, normal screens and phones don’t give off enough UV light to cause arc eye.

It only happens from very intense sources like welding arcs, strong sunlight reflections, or industrial UV lamps.

What should I do in the first few minutes if I think I have arc eye?

Get out of the bright light straight away and rest your eyes in a dark or dimly lit room.

Avoid rubbing them, and you can try a cold compress or over the counter lubricating drops to ease the discomfort while you wait to see if it improves.

Can children get arc eye, or is it only adults who work with tools?

Children can get it too if they’re around welding or strong UV lights without protection, or if they spend a lot of time in bright reflective environments like snow without sunglasses.

It’s not just an adult or work related issue.

When should I definitely see a doctor for arc eye?

See a doctor if the pain or vision problems last longer than 48 hours, get worse, or if you notice any changes in your sight.

It’s also important to get checked if you think an infection might be starting.

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Final Thoughts

You should now have an understanding of exactly what arc eye is and why it’s dangerous.

Arc eye is a painful yet preventable condition caused by exposure to intense UV light.

It primarily affects welders but can also occur in other high-UV environments.

While symptoms are usually temporary, repeated exposure can lead to long-term eye damage.

Recognising the symptoms of arc eye and knowing how to treat it can help ensure a quick recovery.

More importantly, taking proper precautions - such as wearing protective eyewear and limiting exposure - can prevent the condition entirely.

If you work in an environment with high UV exposure, prioritising eye safety is essential.

Protect your vision today to prevent painful and potentially harmful eye conditions in the future.

For more information on arc eye, or help with your welding needs, get in contact with us here at Xtreme Plasma today.