What Are the Common Causes of Flaky Eyelids?

The onset of this disease is that it usually takes 6 to 8 hours after the eye is exposed to ultraviolet rays. This period is called the incubation period, because after the ultraviolet rays act on the cornea and conjunctiva, some epithelial cells necrosis and fall off after 6 to 8 hours. Symptoms are most severe at this time, initially with a foreign body sensation, followed by severe eye pain, high eyelid spasm, fear of light, tears, and a burning sensation on the face. The patient's face and eyelids were red and swollen, the conjunctiva was congested and edema, and the corneal epithelium at the site of the palpebral cleft was a little or flaky. The longer the ultraviolet radiation, the more epithelial cells fall off. The corneal epithelium is shed, and the nerve endings between the epithelium are exposed. This is the cause of eye pain. The above symptoms can last for 6 to 8 hours, then gradually reduce, and completely recover in 2 to 3 days.

Electro-optic eye disease

Eye damage caused by ultraviolet radiation on different occasions is commonly called electro-optic ophthalmitis or electro-optic ophthalmopathy. Electro-optic ophthalmia, also known as electro-optic eye disease or ultraviolet eye injury, is caused by damage to the conjunctiva and cornea caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. In the natural world, such as the thin air in high mountains, the absorption and scattering of ultraviolet light by the atmosphere is reduced. In dazzling areas such as glaciers, snow, and deserts, the increased ultraviolet content of reflected light can cause eye damage. In the industry, when welding or gas welding is carried out, as a result of not wearing protective glasses or a protective mask, eye damage is often caused by a large amount of ultraviolet rays emitted from the arc light during electric welding.

Characteristics of electro-optic eye disease

The onset of this disease is that it usually takes 6 to 8 hours after the eye is exposed to ultraviolet rays. This period is called the incubation period, because after the ultraviolet rays act on the cornea and conjunctiva, some epithelial cells necrosis and fall off after 6 to 8 hours. Symptoms are most severe at this time, initially with a foreign body sensation, followed by severe eye pain, high eyelid spasm, fear of light, tears, and a burning sensation on the face. The patient's face and eyelids were red and swollen, the conjunctiva was congested and edema, and the corneal epithelium at the site of the palpebral cleft was a little or flaky. The longer the ultraviolet radiation, the more epithelial cells fall off. The corneal epithelium is shed, and the nerve endings between the epithelium are exposed. This is the cause of eye pain. The above symptoms can last for 6 to 8 hours, then gradually reduce, and completely recover in 2 to 3 days.

Causes of electro-optic eye disease

Ultraviolet light comes from natural and artificial light sources. Common UV operations under production conditions are: electric welding and gas cutting: photoengraving in the printing industry: various lighting applications in the film industry; electrode steelmaking at temperatures above 3,000 ° C; Workers in the environment can receive a large amount of ultraviolet rays for a long time. The cornea exposed to ultraviolet radiation showed swelling of the nucleus, dissolution of chromatin, and necrosis. The corneal epithelium falls off, leaving the base cells. The outer layer of the conjunctival epithelium detaches, and the base cells degenerate.

Clinical symptoms and treatment of electro-optic eye disease

Symptoms usually begin within a few hours after acute eye exposure to UV rays, and the incubation period is related to the length of time the UV rays are received. The main clinical manifestations are foreign body sensation and discomfort in the eyes. In severe cases, the eyes have burning sensation and severe pain, tearing, photophobia, and blepharospasm. Eye examination: bulbar conjunctival congestion and edema, corneal epithelial spotting or flaky shedding, corneal sensation loss, pupillary spasm, and short-term vision loss. Accompanied by flushing and erythema of the skin on the face and eyelids. Long-term repeated ultraviolet radiation can cause chronic blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

Treatment is analgesic, commonly used is 0.5% tetracaine eye drops, which are given once every three minutes and three times. Can also be used for cold compresses. Anti-inflammatory eye drops prevent infection. There are also drops of fresh human milk and acupuncture treatments. It should be noted that do not stop pain, abuse tetracaine eye drops, because it is irritating and hinder the growth of epithelium. If your eyes are not painful, try not to use them. Of course, the most important thing is to do a good job of prevention. Welding should be done in strict accordance with operating procedures, wear protective glasses, avoid ultraviolet rays to irradiate the eye, in order to prevent electro-optic ophthalmitis.

Preventive measures for electro-optic eye disease

Improve the production process, try to use advanced welding technology instead of manual welding.

Strengthen personal protection: Wear a protective face shield or protective glasses that can absorb ultraviolet rays.

Actively protect your skin. Wear gloves and protective clothing.

Production places with ultraviolet rays should be shielded to prevent other personnel from being injured further.

Formulate a safety production system, and non-electric welding workers are prohibited from entering the operating area.

Regular safety knowledge education is strictly forbidden to watch welding with naked eyes.