What effect does ultraviolet (UV) exposure have on the eye?

What effect does ultraviolet (UV) exposure have on the eye?

• A. Will cause eye burn (Arc Eye) that is very painful and disabling but usually resolves in 12 to 36 hours and is confined to the cornea
• B. Causes permanent blindness immediately
• C. Produces cataracts within minutes
• D. No effect on the eye

Answer: (A)

UV exposure can cause a temporary, painful injury to the cornea called photokeratitis, also known as arc eye. This happens when UV rays irritate the corneal surface, producing severe eye pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and a feeling of a foreign body. Because the damage is limited to the corneal epithelium, vision is usually affected only by discomfort, not permanently impaired. The symptoms typically resolve within about 12 to 36 hours with rest and protective measures, and without lasting effects. This is not immediate permanent blindness, nor does UV exposure cause cataracts within minutes—the latter develop over much longer periods. Protective eyewear that blocks UV light is essential to prevent arc eye.

UV exposure can cause a temporary, painful injury to the cornea called photokeratitis, also known as arc eye. This happens when UV rays irritate the corneal surface, producing severe eye pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and a feeling of a foreign body. Because the damage is limited to the corneal epithelium, vision is usually affected only by discomfort, not permanently impaired. The symptoms typically resolve within about 12 to 36 hours with rest and protective measures, and without lasting effects. This is not immediate permanent blindness, nor does UV exposure cause cataracts within minutes—the latter develop over much longer periods. Protective eyewear that blocks UV light is essential to prevent arc eye.