What should I do if my eyes hurt after arc welding?
Oct 27, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Generally, eye pain following arc welding can be temporarily relieved using boiled and cooled human breast milk or fresh cow’s milk as eye drops. Initially, apply the milk every few minutes; as symptoms improve, gradually increase the interval between applications. Additionally, apply a cold, wet towel to the eyes and rest with eyes closed. After such first-aid measures, rest remains essential.
Electric welding plays an indispensable role in the development of our city. However, if proper precautions are not taken during welding operations, workers may suffer eye injuries from arc flash (also known as “welder’s flash” or “arc eye”), resulting in varying degrees of ocular damage. Symptoms following such exposure typically include severe eye pain, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and redness and swelling of the eyes. So, what should one do if experiencing eye pain after welding? Below, we address this question.
What to Do If Your Eyes Hurt After Welding
In general, simple first-aid measures for post-welding eye pain include instilling cooled, boiled human breast milk or fresh cow’s milk into the affected eye(s) to relieve pain. Initially, apply the milk every few minutes; as symptoms subside, the interval between applications can be gradually extended. Additionally, cold compresses—using a towel soaked in cold water—may be applied to the closed eyes, followed by rest with eyes shut. After initial first aid, in addition to resting, it is important to minimize light exposure and avoid unnecessary eye movement or rubbing. With appropriate care, most cases resolve within one or two days. Importantly, welders must never perform welding without wearing protective eyewear, as doing so significantly increases the risk of preventable injury. The intense ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation generated during welding poses serious hazards to the eyes; therefore, welders must always wear appropriate protective face shields or goggles while working.
Additional Information: Health Hazards of Electric Welding
1. Neurological Effects
Welding-related neurological impairments primarily affect cognitive functions such as memory, analytical ability, and spatial orientation—manifesting as abnormalities in neurophysiology, neuropsychology, and neurobehavior. These effects are closely associated with exposure to manganese, aluminum, lead, and other metals present in welding fumes. Furthermore, welding work has been shown to adversely affect parasympathetic nervous system function. Notably, the onset age of Parkinson’s disease among welders is significantly younger than in the general population—suggesting that welding exposure is a potential occupational risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.
2. Ocular Effects
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR)–induced damage to the eyes and skin constitutes a major occupational hazard in welding. Welders commonly report increased incidence of ocular conditions, including photokeratitis (welder’s flash), chronic blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and lens opacities (cataracts). Moreover, the prevalence of chronic blepharitis and conjunctivitis tends to rise with increasing years of welding experience. Excessive UVR exposure predominantly causes photochemical keratoconjunctivitis, while cataract development in welders is associated with chronic infrared (IR) radiation exposure.
The above outlines recommended management strategies for eye pain following welding exposure. We hope this information proves helpful.
