PHOTO-OPHTHALMIA

Photo-ophthalmia refers to occurrence of multiple
epithelial erosions due to the effect of ultraviolet rays
especially from 311 to 290μ.
Causes
1. Exposure to bright light of a short circuit.
2. Exposure to a naked arc light as in industrial welding and cinema
operators.
3. Snow blindness due to reflected ultraviolet rays
from snow surface.

Pathogenesis
After an interval of 4-5 hours (latent period) of
exposure to ultraviolet rays there occurs desquamation
of corneal epithelium leading to formation of
multiple epithelial erosions.

Clinical features

• Typically, patient presents with severe burning pain, lacrimation, photophobia, blepharospasm, swelling of palpebral conjunctiva and retrotarsal folds.
• There is history of exposure to ultraviolet rays 4-5 hours earlier.
• On fluorescein staining multiple spots are demonstrated on both corneas.
  
  
  
  
  
  Prophylaxis

Crooker's glass which cuts off all infrared and
ultraviolet rays should be used by those who are
prone to exposure e.g., welding workers, cinema operators etc.

Treatment
1. Cold compresses.
2. Pad and bandage with antibiotic ointment for 24 hours, heals most of the cases.
3. Oral analgesics may be given if pain is intolerable.
4. Single dose of tranquilliser may be given to apprehensive patients.

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