So now it includes seeking shade and sliding on sunglasses to further reduce the risk of UV-related damage. This emphasises the importance of protecting eyes – and the skin around them – from UV radiation. Short-term effects Prolonged exposure to the welder’s arcs without eye protection can cause photokeratitis. from shutterstock.com Briefly exposing an unprotected eye to UV rays usually won’t cause any symptoms. But prolonged or intense UV exposure without eye protection (including to the sun, welder’s arcs, snow and tanning beds) can cause a condition called photokeratitis. This can be thought of as sunburn of the cornea, the clear window on the front of the eye. UV rays cause death of the outermost layer of cells of the cornea. This results in severe pain affecting both eyes, which begins six to 12 hours after exposure. Treatment involves oral painkillers and antibiotic eye ointments (to prevent infection of the damaged cornea) while waiting for t...
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