WELDING FLASH BURN OR ARC EYE: TRY NATURAL HOME REMEDIES
Introduction
This intense burst of UV light can cause painful inflammation and irritation of the cornea.
Arc eye typically occurs when a welder fails to wear proper eye protection or the eye protection fails to block all UV rays. Staring at the welding arc, even briefly, can cause symptoms. Leaking around ill-fitting safety goggles is another common cause.
Symptoms of arc eye include:
sharp pain in the eyes
feeling like there is sand or dirt in the eyes
Excessive tear production
Light sensitivity
Redness in the eyes
Swelling of the eyelids
Blurred vision
Headache from eye strain
While symptoms may start during welding, they often worsen in the 6 to 12 hours following exposure. Without proper first aid and eye protection, symptoms can last 1-2 days. Severe cases can cause permanent vision damage.
Prevention
Welders can prevent arc eye and flash burns by wearing proper eye protection. The most important piece of protective equipment is a welding helmet or shield with a filter lens that blocks UV and infrared light. The filter level required depends on the amperage, electrode size, and welding process.
Selecting the appropriate shade level for the filter lens is crucial. A light that is too bright can cause eye strain. Lens shades that are too dark make it hard to see the weld puddle. Refer to [welding filter shade guides] to choose the proper shade for your application. Always check that the filter lens is in good condition, without cracks or holes.
In addition to the main filter lens, a welding helmet should have side shields or safety glasses to protect peripheral vision from spatter and glare. Some hoods have a magnifying lens holder to help see the work area more clearly.
Welders working in tight quarters may prefer a handheld welding shield for maneuverability. Auto-darkening filters that react to the arc light offer versatility for moving between welding and other tasks.
No matter what type of helmet or shield is used, adjust it for comfort and optimal vision. Wear appropriate protective clothing like fire-resistant gloves, jackets, pants, and boots. Button shirt collars and roll-down sleeves. Use ear plugs or other hearing protection. Keep flammable materials away from the sparks.
Taking simple precautions goes a long way toward preventing welding flash burns. But accidents still happen. When they do, quick first aid can minimize the damage.
First Aid
Flushing your eyes immediately after a welding flash burn is crucial to minimizing damage. Follow these first-aid steps:
Irrigate your eyes with clean water or a saline solution for 10–15 minutes. Tilt your head to allow the water to flush out the eye from the inner corner outward. You may need someone to help hold your eyes open. This helps remove particles and cool the eye.
Apply a cold, wet compress. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water and gently press it over your closed eyes. This helps soothe inflammation and reduce pain. Re-soak and reapply the compress as needed.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve discomfort. This can make flushing your eyes easier.
Do not rub your eyes, which can cause further irritation. Also, avoid using eye drops not recommended by your doctor, as they may contain ingredients that could worsen the injury.
Seek medical attention if pain persists for longer than 48 hours or vision problems arise. A welding flash burn often heals within 24-48 hours with proper first aid.
Gentle flushing and cold compresses are the most important initial steps for treating arc eye at home. But see a doctor promptly if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most common natural remedies used for treating flash burns and arc eyes. The gel from the aloe plant contains powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can provide relief from the pain and inflammation caused by welding flash burns.
To use aloe vera, simply cut open one of the leaves from an aloe plant and squeeze out the clear gel inside. Apply a generous amount of the gel directly to the affected areas of the eyes and face. Aloe vera gel will help reduce inflammation, ease burning and stinging sensations, and promote healing of damaged skin tissues. The cooling effect of the gel can also be very soothing on burned skin.
Be sure to use pure aloe gel and not green aloe latex, as this can be toxic. You can also purchase bottled aloe vera gel products; just check the ingredients to ensure they are 100% pure aloe without any unnecessary additives. Reapply the aloe gel several times a day until the symptoms of the flash burn subside. The anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties of aloe make it ideal for speeding up recovery from arc eye.
Potato Slices
Applying grated or sliced raw potato to your eyes is an age-old home remedy for relief from arc flash burns. Potatoes have natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help soothe burned, dry eyes.
The starch in potatoes helps draw out heat from the burned area, while the juice provides a soothing, hydrating effect. Potatoes also contain vitamin C and other antioxidants that can aid healing.
To use this remedy:
Wash and peel a potato. Do not use it if the potato has begun to sprout.
Grate or finely slice the raw potato.
Apply the grated potato or lay the slices over your closed eyelids.
The cool temperature of the raw potato helps relieve inflammation and burning sensations. Leave the potato on for 15–30 minutes, then discard. You can repeat this several times a day, as needed.
Potato slices are an accessible, chemical-free way to gain relief from welding flash burns right in your kitchen. Along with reducing irritation, they can also decrease pain and speed up the healing of the affected eye tissue.
Breast Milk
Breast milk is a natural home remedy that can help soothe and heal welder’s flash burns on the eyes. It contains antibodies and proteins that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Research suggests breast milk can help promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection when applied to skin wounds and burns.
To use breast milk for arc eye, simply express a few drops into a sterile dropper or eye cup. Make sure your hands are washed thoroughly before expressing milk. Tilt the head back and open the eye wide, then apply 1-2 drops directly to the affected eye. The milk can help flush out any debris while coating and soothing the irritated area. Allow the milk to air dry; do not wipe or rinse it away.
Breastfeeding mothers can use their own freshly expressed milk for this purpose. For others, donated breast milk acquired through milk banks that have screened it for safety is recommended. Do not attempt to treat arc eye using informally shared or unscreened milk due to the risks. When using breast milk for medicinal purposes, ensure proper storage and handling guidelines are followed.
Applying a few drops of breast milk 2-3 times a day can promote the healing of welding flash burns on the eyes. Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a safe, effective home remedy.
Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial and healing properties that can help treat welding flash burn injuries. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a mild antiseptic when applied to wounds. Honey also has anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe eye irritation and pain.
To use honey for arc eye treatment:
Dilute 1 teaspoon of raw, unprocessed honey in 1 cup of sterile water. Only use sterilized or distilled water to make the dilution. Tap water contains microbes that can infect the eye.
Use an eyebath or eyedropper to rinse the affected eye with the diluted honey water. Wash away any debris or particles first before applying the honey rinse.
Repeat 3–4 times per day until the symptoms improve. The viscosity of honey allows it to adhere to the eye surface for longer, prolonging its therapeutic effects.
You can also apply a thin layer of pure raw honey over the closed eyelid. Allow it to soak in for 5–10 minutes before rinsing it off. The medicinal sugars and enzymes in honey can aid healing when left on.
The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing benefits of honey make it ideal for treating minor welding flash burn injuries. It provides a soothing, natural alternative to antibiotic eye drops. However, remember to always dilute honey before putting it in the eyes.
Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannins, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Brew a few black tea bags and let them cool to room temperature, or chill them in the fridge. Apply the chilled tea bags to your eyes for 10–15 minutes a few times a day. The tannins will help soothe the burn and reduce swelling.
Green tea is also soothing for the eye due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Brew some organic green tea and let it cool. Dip some cotton pads in the tea and apply them to your closed eyelids. The antioxidants and caffeine in green tea may aid healing in addition to providing a soothing feeling.
When to See a Doctor
Welding a flash burn or arc eye can cause severe pain, vision changes, and damage to your eyes. While home remedies may provide some relief, it’s important to see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve or get worse.
See a doctor right away if you experience:
severe, persistent pain in your eyes that over-the-counter medication does not relieve
Significant vision changes like blurriness, light sensitivity, or loss of vision
– Redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding in the eyes
No improvement in symptoms after 1-2 days of home treatment
Welding flash burns can cause corneal burns and abrasions on the surface of the eye. Left untreated, these injuries can lead to scarring, vision impairment, or blindness.
It’s crucial to get medical attention if you have any concerns about the severity of your eye injury. An ophthalmologist will do a comprehensive eye exam, diagnose the extent of damage, and provide appropriate treatment, which may include:
Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection
Steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
eye patch to allow the cornea to heal
– Pain medication for relief while healing
Follow-up exams to monitor healing
Don’t take chances with your vision. Seek prompt medical care for a welding flash burn or arc eye that causes severe symptoms, vision changes, or a lack of improvement with home treatment. Full recovery depends on proper assessment and treatment from an eye doctor.
Conclusion
Exposure to the bright ultraviolet and infrared rays during welding can cause flash burns to the eyes, known as arc eye. While prevention through proper eye protection is key, natural remedies can provide relief if an arc eye occurs.
Several home remedies like aloe vera, potato slices, breast milk, honey, and tea bags may help soothe eyes irritated by welding flash burn. The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of these ingredients can reduce discomfort. However, they should not replace medical treatment if the burn is severe.
It’s crucial to see a doctor right away if you experience severe pain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or the feeling of having something in your eye. Long-term damage and vision loss can occur if the arc eye is not properly treated. Prevention through wearing certified safety glasses or goggles and a welding helmet is vital.
While home remedies may provide temporary soothing relief, they cannot repair damage from welding flash burns. Seeking prompt medical attention maximizes the chances of a full recovery. Overall, being diligent about safety eyewear and smart about using natural remedies as appropriate can help manage this common welding risk.
