Corneal Abrasion & Arc Eye

Information for Patients

Patient Information Leaflet
Department of Ophthalmology
Corneal Service
What is Arc Eye?
Arc eye is common condition with welders and sun bed users,
who either do not wear any eye protection or do not wear the
correct eye protection against UV (ultraviolet) light. It can affect
one or both eyes. Exposure to UV light causes superficial damage
to the cornea. Treatment is similar to treating corneal abrasions.
What is a corneal abrasion?
The cornea is the clear area in the centre of the eye directly in
front of the Iris (the coloured part of the eye). It is the part of the
eye through which we see. Exposure to UV light results in a form
of radiation burn that affects the surface layer (epithelium) of the
cornea. The resulting injury is called a corneal abrasion (arc eye).
Signs and Symptoms
You may not be immediately aware that you have been exposed to
UV light. Pain and discomfort may be delayed. The eye feels
painful and waters. It is important to have an injury to the cornea
examined by your doctor, if:
The pain does not go away.
You feel like something is in your eye, even if you cannot find
anything.
There is excessive watering.
The eye is very sensitive to bright light.

How is corneal abrasion treated?

The doctor or eye nurse can recommend the right treatment for
someone with a corneal abrasion. But everyone who has a corneal
abrasion should follow one rule: don't touch or rub your eyes! If
you have a corneal abrasion the sensitive nerves normally covered
by the surface layer (epithelium) the cornea are exposed, making
the eye painful, red and watery. Fortunately, the surface layer
(epithelium) usually heals rapidly. Symptoms may last for a few
hours to a few days depending on the size of the corneal abrasion.
Small corneal abrasions will heal in a few days. Larger corneal
abrasions will take longer to heal and may need a follow up
appointment to ensure healing is taking place. To accelerate the
healing process the doctor or eye nurse will:
Examine the eye to ensure there are no foreign bodies or
infection. Anaesthetic eye drops will make this procedure more
comfortable.
Prescribe antibiotic drops/ointment to keep the eye lubricated and
prevent infection.
If the corneal abrasion is large i.e. covering more than half of the
cornea, the doctor or eye nurse may:
Dilate the pupil to prevent pain from spasm from the ciliary
muscle inside the eye.
Apply and prescribe an antibiotic ointment to lubricate the cornea
and help prevent infection.
Pad the eye for 24 hours.
It is important to use the eye drops/ointment as recommended. It
might also be necessary to stop wearing contact lenses until the
corneal abrasion has healed.
Do corneal abrasions heal completely?
Corneal abrasions usually heal without causing any other
problems. Occasionally, even after the original injury is healed,
some people may notice the eye feels irritated again. This can
occur months or even years after the original injury. This is due to
imperfect healing at the time of the original injury, which leaves
loose cells on the cornea. These loose cells can become dislodged
by the eyelids when you open your eyes in the morning, causing
pain and discomfort.

If you would like a written or taped translation of this leaflet please

contact, Service Equality Manager on 0116 258 4382.

Haddaad rabto warqadan oo turjuman oo ku duuban cajalad

ama qoraal ah fadlan la xiriir Deb Baker, Maamulaha Adeegga
Sinaanta 0116 258 4382.