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What Is Ultraviolet Keratitis?

Ultraviolet keratitis, also called photokeratitis, is a painful injury to the corneal surface caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It happens when UV light damages corneal epithelial cells, which can then slough off hours later. Symptoms often begin after a delay, which is why people may feel fine during exposure but very uncomfortable later. Most cases heal within one to two days with supportive care, but evaluation is important to rule out complications.

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What Is Ultraviolet Keratitis?

Ultraviolet keratitis, also called photokeratitis, is a painful injury to the corneal surface caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It happens when UV light damages corneal epithelial cells, which can then slough off hours later. Symptoms often begin after a delay, which is why people may feel fine during exposure but very uncomfortable later. Most cases heal within one to two days with supportive care, but evaluation is important to rule out complications.

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Common Causes

Ultraviolet keratitis is caused by intense UV exposure without proper eye protection. Reflected UV can be especially strong on snow or water. Certain artificial UV sources can also cause injury.

  • Snow glare, often called snow blindness
  • Welding arc exposure, also called arc eye or welder's flash
  • Tanning beds or high-intensity UV lamps
  • Sunlight reflected from water, sand, or ice

Symptoms and Timeline

Symptoms typically start 6 to 12 hours after exposure. Common symptoms include severe pain, gritty sensation, tearing, redness, and strong light sensitivity. Vision may be blurry and eyelids can feel swollen. Because pain can be intense, many people seek care at night or early morning after the exposure.

Treatment and Home Care

Treatment is usually supportive while the corneal surface heals. Artificial tears, cool compresses, and oral pain relievers may help symptoms. Some clinicians prescribe lubricating or antibiotic ointment if there is concern for infection risk, and they may recommend avoiding contact lenses until fully healed. Do not use numbing drops at home because they can delay healing and increase complications.

How to Prevent It

Prevention centers on proper eye protection for UV sources. Wear wraparound sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB outdoors. Use appropriate welding shields or UV-rated goggles for industrial work. Extra protection is important at high altitude and on snow, where UV intensity and reflection are higher.

FAQs on Ultraviolet Keratitis

How long does ultraviolet keratitis last?

Many cases improve significantly within 24 to 48 hours as the corneal epithelium regenerates. Pain often peaks during the first day after symptom onset. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should be re-evaluated.

Is ultraviolet keratitis contagious?

No. It is an injury from UV radiation, not an infection that spreads person to person. However, the cornea can be more vulnerable while healing, so proper hygiene and follow-up matter. Your clinician will decide if any preventive medication is needed.

Should I wear contact lenses after a UV burn?

No. Avoid contact lenses until your eye care professional confirms the cornea has healed and symptoms have resolved. Wearing lenses too soon can increase irritation and infection risk. Use glasses during recovery.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care if you have severe pain that is not improving, a significant drop in vision, thick discharge, or symptoms in only one eye after exposure. These can suggest an infection, a foreign body, or another problem that needs treatment. New flashes or a curtain-like shadow also requires urgent evaluation.

References

Photokeratitis. American Academy of Ophthalmology (EyeWiki). https://eyewiki.org/Photokeratitis. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Corneal Injury. (StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459283/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Increased incidence of photokeratitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. X Wang, et al. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8471887/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Photokeratitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. CA Sengillo, et al. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8245358/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Photokeratitis as a result of germicidal lamp exposure: A retrospective case series and literature review. S Lin, et al. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11065345/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.