Photophthalmia ( pho·toph·thal·mia (''fōt″of-thal´me-ah'') ) is

ophthalmia Ophthalmia (also called ophthalmitis) is inflammation of the eye. It results in congestion of the eyeball, often eye-watering, redness and swelling, itching and burning, and a general feeling of irritation under the eyelids. Ophthalmia can have d ...

inflammation Inflammation (from la, wikt:en:inflammatio#Latin, inflammatio) is part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or Irritation, irritants, and is a protective response involving im ...

of the

eye Eyes are organs of the visual system. They provide living organisms with vision, the ability to receive and process visual detail, as well as enabling several photo response functions that are independent of vision. Eyes detect light and conv ...

, especially of the

cornea The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Along with the anterior chamber and lens, the cornea refracts light, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye's total optical power ...

and

conjunctiva The conjunctiva is a thin mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera (the white of the eye). It is composed of non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium with goblet cells, stratified columnar epithelium ...

due to exposure to intense light of short wavelength (as

ultraviolet light Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm (with a corresponding frequency around 30 PHz) to 400 nm (750 THz), shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV radiation i ...

), as in snow blindness. It involves occurrence of multiple epithelial erosions due to the effect of ultraviolet rays, especially between 311 and 290 nm. Snow blindness occurs due to reflection of ultraviolet rays from snow surface. Photoretinitis is another form that can occur due to infra-red rays (eclipse burn of retina).

Presentation

It can present with the following: * severe burning pain * lacrimation * photophobia * blepharospasm * swelling of palpebral conjunctiva * retrotarsal folds Usually the effect of UV exposure is felt after 6-8 hours from exposure. With severe irritation, the eyes become blood red. In minor cases, avoid rubbing and wash the eyes thoroughly with water until the irritation subdues. Always consult an eye specialist as soon as possible. Medications (for minor erosion of cornea) usually involve eye drop such as Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose Ophthalmic solution USP sold under the trade name GenTeal®. (February 2019)

Prevention

Crooke’s glass is a prophylactic aid consisting of a spectacle lens combined with metallic oxides to absorb ultraviolet or infrared rays and should be used by those who are prone to exposure e.g. Welding workers, cinema operators.

Treatment

The following may provide relief: * Cold compresses * Pad and bandage with antibiotics drops for 24 hours, heals most of the cases * anaesthetic drops should not be used * Oral analgesics if pain is intolerable * Single dose of tranquilizers

References

{{reflist Inflammations