Arc eye, commonly known as welding flash burn, happens when the cornea suffers damage from intense ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. This condition feels like a painful sunburn on the eyes, leading to irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light. Arc eye is a common issue among welders, especially when proper eye protection is neglected during work. Though getting it checked is important, you should also know home remedies to immediately treat the burn.
Symptoms of Flash Burn
Arc eye symptoms may not be noticeable right away, but they can become quite painful within a few hours. The most common signs include:
- A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Redness and inflammation
- Watery eyes or excessive tearing
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Sensitivity to light (feeling like bright lights are too harsh)
- A gritty feeling, as if sand or dust is in the eye
- Swollen eyelids
- Headaches due to eye strain
The duration of these symptoms varies from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on severity. Seek medical help if pain intensifies or vision deteriorates.
What to Do When You Burn Your Eyes Welding
Acting quickly can prevent symptoms from getting worse. Rubbing your eyes may increase irritation and raise the risk of infection. Resting in a dimly lit space can ease sensitivity, while removing contact lenses helps reduce discomfort. Placing a cold compress over closed eyelids soothes the burning sensation and minimizes swelling. After these initial steps, various home remedies can provide relief and promote healing.
10 Effective Home Remedies for Welders Flash
1. Cold Compress for Quick Relief
A cold compress helps reduce inflammation and soothes burning eyes. Wrapping ice cubes in a clean cloth or using a gel ice pack can provide relief. Pressing it gently against closed eyelids for five to ten minutes eases irritation. This process can be repeated several times a day as needed.
2. Wet Face Cloths for Soothing Comfort
A soft, damp cloth hydrates the eyes and provides immediate relief. Soaking a clean washcloth in cold water, wringing out the excess, and placing it over closed eyes for ten minutes helps reduce discomfort. This remedy can be repeated twice a day or whenever irritation occurs.
3. Cucumber Slices to Reduce Inflammation
Cucumbers contain vitamins and minerals that soothe irritated eyes. Chilling fresh slices in the fridge for ten minutes before placing them over the eyelids provides a cooling effect that reduces swelling. Leaving the slices on for about fifteen minutes enhances the soothing effect.
4. Grated Potatoes for Natural Healing
Potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and redness. Grating a peeled potato and placing it in a clean cloth creates an easy-to-use compress. Storing it in the fridge for a few minutes before applying it to closed eyes for ten to fifteen minutes provides a refreshing sensation. Repeating this process a few times a day enhances healing.
5. Tea Bags to Soothe and Refresh
Tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce irritation. Black and green tea bags work best for this remedy. Soaking the tea bags in warm water for a few seconds, squeezing out excess liquid, and chilling them in the freezer for fifteen minutes prepares them for use. Placing the cold tea bags on closed eyes for about ten minutes provides noticeable relief.
6. Milk for Gentle Relief
Milk contains natural healing enzymes that reduce inflammation and hydrate the eyes. Dipping clean cotton balls in cold pasteurized milk and placing them on closed eyelids for ten to fifteen minutes helps relieve irritation. Repeating this process a few times a day enhances comfort.
7. Banana Pulp for Eye Recovery
Bananas are rich in Vitamin B12, which promotes tissue healing and reduces dryness. Mashing a ripe banana into a smooth pulp and chilling it in the fridge for five to ten minutes prepares it for application. Spreading a thin layer over the eyelids and leaving it on for five minutes provides a soothing effect. Wiping it off gently with a damp cloth completes the treatment.
8. Aloe Vera for Cooling and Healing
Aloe vera is widely known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracting fresh aloe vera gel and storing it in the fridge for a few minutes ensures a refreshing application. Spreading a thin layer over closed eyelids and leaving it on for ten minutes before rinsing with cool water promotes healing and comfort.
9. Rose Water for Eye Hydration
Rose water acts as a natural eye cleanser and reduces irritation. Chilling it in the fridge enhances its soothing properties. Dipping cotton balls into the cooled rose water and placing them over closed eyes for ten minutes refreshes and hydrates tired, dry eyes.
10. Honey Drops for Antibacterial Protection
Honey has natural antibacterial properties that prevent infections and soothe irritation. Mixing raw honey with an equal amount of distilled water creates a gentle eye-drop solution. Using a clean dropper to place one or two drops in each eye twice daily helps relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Home remedies for welders flash work best for mild cases, but some situations require medical care. If severe pain persists despite home treatments, seeking medical attention becomes essential. Cloudy vision, increased light sensitivity, or extreme discomfort may indicate serious damage that requires professional treatment.
Symptoms that demand immediate medical evaluation include unbearable pain, vision loss, or a cloudy cornea. Ignoring severe symptoms can lead to complications, making a doctor’s consultation necessary for proper care.
Protecting Your Eyes from Future Welding Flash Burn
Preventing welding flash burn eyes is easier than treating it. Wearing proper eye protection significantly reduces the risk of arc eye. A welding helmet with an auto-darkening filter provides the best defense. Using Shade 5 safety glasses in areas with welding activity helps protect bystanders from exposure.
Maintaining proper safety habits reduces the likelihood of eye injuries and ensures long-term eye health.