From the Research
For treating welder's flash burn, lubricating artificial tears and preservative-free lubricating ointments are the primary recommended eye drops for mild cases. The goal of treatment is to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life by promoting healing, preventing infection, and minimizing discomfort.
Key Considerations
- Preservative-free lubricating drops should be applied every 1-2 hours while awake, with ointment used at bedtime to keep the eye lubricated and promote healing of the corneal epithelium.
- In moderate to severe cases, a healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotic drops, such as erythromycin or ciprofloxacin, to be used 4 times daily for 5-7 days to prevent infection 1.
- Cycloplegic drops like cyclopentolate can help reduce pain by temporarily paralyzing eye muscles.
- Steroid eye drops may occasionally be prescribed for significant inflammation but only under medical supervision.
Patient Advice
- Patients should avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment to prevent further irritation and potential infection.
- Protecting eyes from bright light with dark sunglasses is recommended to reduce discomfort and promote recovery.
- Seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen or don't improve within 48 hours is crucial to prevent long-term damage and ensure proper healing. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the use of preservative-free artificial tears and rewetting drops as safe and effective for treating welder's flash burn, even with contact lens use, emphasizing the importance of choosing preservative-free options to minimize eye irritation.