photokeratitis

WHAT IS IT?

--UV (ultraviolet) keratitis
--UV light damages corneal epithelium
--often presents some time after exposure (latent period 6-12 hours)
--generally self-limited with complete resolution in 1-3 days


COMMON PRESENTATIONS:
--welders
--snowblindness

--bilateral eye pain, injection, photophobia, foreign body sensation
--can have associated facial erythema/edema


MANAGEMENT:
--analgesics (photokeratitis hurts)
--antibiotic ointments (prophylaxis and lubrication)
--optho follow-up
--advise proper protective eyewear


10-SECOND RECAP:
--photokeratitis=corneal epithelial damage from UV light
--often from welding, snowblindness
--bilateral pain, photophobia, injection; often presents after a 6-12 hr latent period
--treatment toolbox: pain meds, antibiotic oinments, optho follow-up, better goggles

Reference(s): uptodate.com: photokeratitis, photo