Keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica (Arc eye)

Abstract

Photokeratitis is a painful keratitis caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays. We talk about "arc eye" when photokeratitis is caused by UV rays emitted by electric arc during electric arc welding process. We here report the case of a 35-year old rider, with no previous medical-surgical history, who had looked at an electric arc for a few minutes while the doors of his building were welded. He had bilateral burning in his eyes associated with lacrimation, photophobia and blepharospasm. Clinical examination showed corrected visual acuity of 8/10 and 9/10, conjunctival hyperemia with punctate erosive keratitis limited to palpebral fissure after the use of fluorescein. Given patient's clinical picture, keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica (arc eye) was diagnosed. Treatment was based on topical antibiotics, wetting agents as well as agents with healing properties. Outcome was marked by total disappearance of the signs with restoration of bilateral visual acuity (10/10). This study highlights the role of prevention using appropriate protection equipment.