What should I do if my eyes are injured by argon arc welding?
Eye discomfort after arc welding may be caused by photokeratitis. Home remedies are often ineffective; instead, treatment can include daily care and medication, while severe cases may require surgical intervention.
1. Daily care: Exposure to arc welding light can cause photokeratitis. Wearing sunglasses can help minimize direct light exposure to the cornea. If symptoms are mild, they usually improve within 48 hours. During this period, get adequate rest, avoid overusing the eyes, and refrain from rubbing them to prevent bacterial infection.
2. Medication: If early eye irritation causes severe pain, topical anesthetics may be used under medical supervision to reduce swelling and pain. Concurrent use of external贝复舒eye drops (bFGF eye drops) can aid in corneal tissue repair. Additionally, erythromycin eye ointment may be applied as directed by a physician to prevent infection and protect the epithelial tissue from damage.
3. Surgical treatment: In cases of severe ocular injury due to arc welding exposure, prompt medical attention is necessary to remove necrotic tissue and prevent adhesions within the eyeball.
When significant pain occurs during treatment, cold compresses around the eyes can help reduce inflammatory heat response and alleviate patient discomfort.