What is Ultraviolet Keratitis

Ultraviolet keratitis is a condition that happens when too much ultraviolet (UV) light gets into your eye. This can happen if you are around:

• Direct sunlight.
• Sunlight and snow, sand, or water.
• Welding arcs.
• Halogen lamps.

The problems caused by this condition usually start 6–12 hours after too much light gets into your eye. These problems can include:

• Tears.
• Being sensitive to light.
• Feeling that there is something in your eye.
• Swollen eyelids.
• Very bad eye pain.

This condition will usually get better on its own in 24–48 hours.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If directed, put ice on your eye:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 10–20 minutes, 2–8 times a day.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic ointment, apply it as told by your doctor. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.
• Wear an eye patch as told by your doctor. If your doctor puts patches on your eyes, it is important to leave them on.
• Do not rub your eyes.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important. If you miss these visits, you may get a very bad eye infection or lose your vision.

Get help right away if:

• Your pain is very bad and medicines do not help.
• Your vision gets much worse.
• You have white or yellow fluid on your eye.
• You have a white spot on your eye.
• Your pain or vision problems last more than 48 hours.