Flash Burn — What It Is and Why It Matters
Flash burn (arc eye, welder's flash, or photokeratitis) is a painful eye injury caused by exposure to the intense ultraviolet radiation produced by a welding arc. Even brief unprotected exposure — a fraction of a second — can cause flash burn. Symptoms typically appear 6-12 hours after exposure and include severe eye pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, gritty sensation, and swollen eyelids.
Flash burn affects the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) in the same way that sunburn affects skin — the UV radiation damages the surface cells. Most cases heal within 24-48 hours without permanent damage, but repeated exposure can cause chronic eye problems including cataracts.
Prevention is simple and absolute: never look at a welding arc without a proper welding filter lens. Always ensure your helmet is down before striking an arc. Warn bystanders before welding. Use welding screens or curtains to protect others in shared workspaces. Even reflected arc light bouncing off shiny surfaces can cause flash burn — position welding curtains to block all angles of exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I get flash burn?
The pain usually peaks 6-12 hours after exposure. Over-the-counter pain relief, cool compresses, artificial tears, and staying in a dark room help manage symptoms. Do not rub your eyes. Most flash burns heal within 24-48 hours. If pain is severe, vision is blurred, or symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, see an eye doctor.
Can flash burn cause permanent damage?
A single mild episode typically heals fully. However, repeated flash burn exposure over time can contribute to chronic eye conditions including cataracts (clouding of the lens) and pinguecula/pterygium (growths on the eye surface). This is why consistent eye protection with proper welding filters is non-negotiable.