Arc-eye, also known as welder’s flash, is a painful condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the welding arc. Welders are often unaware of the exposure until hours later when symptoms like red, watery, and gritty-feeling eyes appear, along with sensitivity to light. While the condition is temporary and can be treated with eye drops, it's essential to seek medical advice in case of foreign particles in the eye.
Preventing arc-eye requires strict adherence to protective measures. Welders should always wear proper eye protection and avoid exposure to the arc from less than 10 meters without suitable shielding. The intensity of harmful radiation varies depending on distance from the arc, making the choice of the right protective filter critical. Welders often need to lift their helmets when not actively welding, which increases their risk of eye injuries. To avoid “arc flash” or being hit by flying metal fragments, it is crucial for welders to lower their helmets before starting any arc and use protective gear at all times.
Welding helmet lens shades (filter numbers) range from 4 to 13. Numbers between 4 and 8 are useful for grinding and cutting tasks, while those from 9 to 13 are mostly used for various welding processes. The higher the shade number, the darker the filter lens, meaning less light passes through the lens. Source: ANSI Z49.1:2012
What should you do if you experience arc-eye?
If you experience arc-eye, here’s what you should do: You can relieve the discomfort and irritation with special eye drops. However, it's important to seek medical advice as there may be a foreign body in the eye. Typically, the condition is temporary, and symptoms clear up within a day. As in some traditional beliefs, applying raw, unsterilized potato slices or wet tea bags to the eye is not a good idea. Always remember to use proper protective equipment during welding to prevent further damage to your eyes.
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