General information
So-called keratitis photoelectrica is an injury caused by UV rays, which leads to a loosening of the epithelial adhesion and tiny erosions of the cornea. Mostly this disease occurs after welding work without appropriate protective goggles or after staying at high altitudes, on glaciers etc. (injury of the eye by radiation).
Symptoms
The symptoms usually appear 3-8 hours after the corresponding activity and usually lead the patient to the ophthalmologist at night with severe pain and redness of both eyes (injury of the eye by radiation).
Therapy
After the diagnosis of keratitis photoelectrica (injury of the eye by radiation), which can be asked by simple questions (welding? stay in high altitudes? ), the patient should be given once local anesthetic drops in both eyes and disinfecting eye ointment.
Then both eyes are covered with a bandage. It is important that the patient is not given the eye drops for pain relief, as once the effect has subsided and the pain reoccurs, the patient would treat himself with these drops, which would lead to reduced healing. Alternatively, the patient can be given painkillers to take home.
He should also be on bed rest. Normally, the pain subsides after 24 hours and the keratitis photoelectrica heals without scarring. The patient must also be advised to wear appropriate protective goggles the next time he or she perspires or stays in bright sunlight (injury to the eye from radiation).
