Can arc welding flash cause blindness?

Our eyes are extremely important to us; eye injuries can range from minor to severe. Some individuals sustain eye injuries due to occupational hazards—for instance, welders are exposed to intense light during welding operations, which can harm the eyes. So, can arc-welding flash cause blindness? Let’s explore this further.

Can arc-welding flash cause blindness?

In most cases, arc-welding flash does not lead to permanent blindness. However, the intense light emitted during welding can damage the eyes—particularly causing corneal epithelial burns—resulting in symptoms such as decreased vision, excessive tearing, pain, photophobia (light sensitivity), and wind aversion. Treatment may include topical ophthalmic solutions (eye drops) or gentle local moist compresses to alleviate symptoms; recovery typically occurs spontaneously within 2–3 days. Nevertheless, prolonged exposure to welding’s intense light may cause thermal injury to the macular region of the retina, potentially leading to irreversible vision loss or even blindness.

Therefore, when performing arc welding, it is essential to protect both the eyes and face. Welding emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage ocular tissues and facial skin, potentially triggering photokeratitis (welder’s flash) or solar dermatitis.

If photokeratitis develops, the best course of action is to seek prompt evaluation and treatment by an ophthalmologist. Hospitals commonly use topical anesthetic eye drops, which provide immediate symptomatic relief. If hospital access is inconvenient, over-the-counter recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) eye drops may be purchased at pharmacies. In some cases, expressed human breast milk applied topically to the eyes has also been used—anecdotally—with recovery typically occurring within 2–3 days.

The above addresses the question: “Can arc-welding flash cause blindness?” While temporary blindness (i.e., photokeratitis) is common, permanent blindness is rare—but not impossible—especially with repeated or prolonged unprotected exposure. Therefore, welders must always adopt appropriate protective measures, including wearing certified welding helmets or goggles. Should an injury occur, prompt medical evaluation by an ophthalmologist is strongly recommended to assess the extent of ocular damage and initiate targeted therapy. We hope this information proves helpful to you.