Eye, Ear, and Nose Injuries
Lesson 5: Treat Burns of the Eye
5-5
5-5. RADIANT ENERGY BURNS
Burns of the eyes that are caused by exposure to intense light sources, such as from electric welding arcs or from laser sources, can burn the retina of the eye, and have no specific first aid treatment. Such injuries are called "radiant energy injuries;" radiant energy includes bright visible light, ultra-violet light that is not visible, also infra-red light that is not visible, as well as other forms of energy that are not visible, such as strong microwave and radar waves. Sometimes, in the event of radiant energy injuries, the patient will feel more comfortable if the eyes are bandaged to reduce exposure to light.
a. Electric Welding Arc.
(1) Signs and symptoms of electric welding arc burns of the eye include gritty feeling, severe pain, inability to tolerate light, watering/ tearing, and the burns often do not appear until several hours after exposure.
(2) There is no specific treatment recommended for electric welding arc burns. Bandaging of the eyes often makes a patient more comfortable (see figure 5-4). The patient should wear dark glasses (improvised or sunglasses). Recovery and pain relief usually takes place in 2 to 3 days.
Figure 5-4. Bandage over electric welding arc burn.
b. Laser Injuries.
(1) Signs and symptoms of laser injuries include immediate decrease in vision and pain is usually not present.
(2) Do not bandage eyes for treatment. Keep the patient out of bright light, avoid further light exposure.
