flash burns

Question 1

Cause:

Answer 1

intense ultraviolet light burns to corneas (keratitis) e.g.

• arc welding
• UV lamps
• snow reflection

Precautions:

• foreign bodies
• continued use of topical anaesthetics (once only)

Question 2

Treatment

Answer 2

Topical long-acting LA drops (e.g. amethocaine) once only

Homotropine 2% eye drops, 1–2 drops statim

Broad-spectrum antibiotic eye ointment,

• bd in lower fornix (48 h)

Analgesics (e.g. codeine + paracetamol)

Eye padding for 24 h then review

The eye usually heals completely in 48 h.

• If not, check for a foreign body.

Contact lens ‘overwear syndrome’ gives the same symptoms.