GeneHealth - Your precision medicine

Photokeratitis

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Buy Membership

Description: Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to inflammation of the cornea.
Type: Photokeratitis is classified as an eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, such as from sunlight or artificial sources like welding torches. It is not influenced by genetic factors and does not have any genetic transmission.
Signs And Symptoms: Common symptoms include pain, intense tears, eyelid twitching, discomfort from bright light, and constricted pupils.
Prognosis: Photokeratitis typically has a good prognosis. It is usually a transient condition and symptoms often resolve within 24 to 48 hours with appropriate care, which may include resting the eyes, using lubricating eye drops, and taking pain relievers. Complete recovery is common, and long-term damage is rare, provided that there is no repeated exposure to intense UV light.
Onset: Photokeratitis, also known as ultraviolet (UV) keratitis, typically has an onset of symptoms within 6 to 12 hours after exposure to UV light. This condition can result from sources such as the sun, tanning beds, or welding arcs, among others.
Prevalence: There is limited comprehensive data on the exact prevalence of photokeratitis globally. Incidence rates can vary based on geographical location, occupational exposures, and recreational activities. High-risk groups include individuals in snowy or high-altitude regions, welders, and those who spend significant time outdoors without adequate eye protection.
Epidemiology: Epidemiology of photokeratitis: Photokeratitis, also known as ultraviolet (UV) keratitis or snow blindness, is an acute condition characterized by damage to the cornea due to excessive exposure to UV light. It is commonly seen in individuals who spend prolonged periods in environments with significant UV reflection such as snowfields, water bodies, or sandy deserts. High-risk groups include outdoor enthusiasts, such as skiers, mountaineers, and beachgoers, as well as workers like welders who might be exposed to UV radiation without wearing appropriate eye protection. It's also prevalent in regions close to the equator and at higher altitudes, where UV radiation is more intense.
Intractability: Photokeratitis is not typically considered intractable. It is an acute, usually self-limiting condition that results from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from the sun or artificial sources like welding torches. The symptoms, which include pain, redness, tearing, and a gritty sensation in the eyes, generally resolve within 24 to 72 hours with proper rest, avoidance of further UV exposure, and supportive treatments like lubricating eye drops and pain relievers. If symptoms persist or recur frequently, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Disease Severity: Photokeratitis severity can range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of UV exposure and may include eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and the sensation of having something in the eye. In severe cases, vision might be temporarily affected, but symptoms usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours with proper care.
Healthcare Professionals: Disease Ontology ID - DOID:13626
Pathophysiology: Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by acute exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to damage of the corneal epithelium. The pathophysiology involves absorption of UV rays by the corneal epithelium and conjunctiva, resulting in a cascade of cellular damage and death. This leads to inflammation, characterized by symptoms such as eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. The condition is also known as "snow blindness" or "welder’s flash" due to its common occurrence in environments with high UV exposure, like snowy terrains and welding activities.
Carrier Status: Photokeratitis does not have a carrier status because it is not a genetic disease. It is an acute condition resulting from UV radiation exposure to the cornea.
Mechanism: Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by acute exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from the sun or artificial sources like welding torches. The mechanism of photokeratitis involves UV radiation damaging the corneal epithelial cells.

On a molecular level, UV radiation induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. This stress causes cellular damage, protein denaturation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage in corneal epithelial cells. The damaged cells initiate an inflammatory response, resulting in pain, redness, tearing, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Additionally, UV exposure can cause apoptosis (programmed cell death) of corneal cells, contributing to the overall severity of the condition.
Treatment: The pain may be temporarily alleviated with anaesthetic eye drops for the examination; however, they are not used for continued treatment, as anaesthesia of the eye interferes with corneal healing, and may lead to corneal ulceration and even loss of the eye. Cool, wet compresses over the eyes and artificial tears may help local symptoms when the feeling returns. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) eyedrops are widely used to lessen inflammation and eye pain, but have not been proven in rigorous trials. Systemic (oral) pain medication is given if discomfort is severe. Healing is usually rapid (24–72 hours) if the injury source is removed. Further injury should be avoided by isolation in a dark room, removing contact lenses, not rubbing the eyes, and wearing sunglasses until the symptoms improve.
Compassionate Use Treatment: Photokeratitis, also known as ultraviolet keratitis, primarily results from overexposure of the cornea to ultraviolet (UV) light. There aren't well-established "compassionate use" treatments specifically for photokeratitis, as it is usually manageable with standard interventions.

**Compassionate Use Treatment:**
- Typically, compassionate use treatments are not needed for photokeratitis, as it is usually self-limiting and resolves within 24-48 hours.

**Off-Label or Experimental Treatments:**
- **Topical NSAIDs**: While not standard, some practitioners may use off-label topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help alleviate pain.
- **Amniotic Membrane Therapy**: This is an emerging treatment, sometimes used in severe cases, where an amniotic membrane is applied to facilitate healing and reduce inflammation.
- **Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT)**: Still in experimental stages, this involves using specific wavelengths of light to promote cellular repair and reduce pain.

Standard care usually involves supportive treatments such as lubricating eye drops, cold compresses, and oral pain relievers. If there are signs of infection or severe damage, referral to an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Lifestyle Recommendations: Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, often referred to as "sunburn of the eye." Here are some lifestyle recommendations to prevent and manage this condition:

1. **Wear Protective Eyewear**: Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays when outdoors. Skiers and snowboarders should wear UV-protective goggles.

2. **Use Hats or Visors**: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a visor can provide additional protection by shading your eyes from direct sunlight.

3. **Limit UV Exposure**: Avoid prolonged exposure to UV light, especially during peak sunlight hours (10 AM to 4 PM).

4. **Avoid Tanning Beds**: Refrain from using tanning beds, as they can also emit harmful UV rays.

5. **Use Eye Protection**: When using equipment like welding torches or sunlamps, always wear appropriate eye protection to prevent exposure.

6. **Stay Informed**: Pay attention to the UV index in weather reports to plan outdoor activities accordingly.

7. **Hydrate Well**: Stay well-hydrated, as proper hydration can aid in eye health and recovery.

8. **Limit Screen Time**: While not directly related to UV exposure, reducing screen time can alleviate general eye strain, which is beneficial when recovering from or preventing photokeratitis.

For treatment, if you suspect you have photokeratitis, seek medical attention for proper care. Over-the-counter pain relief, cold compresses, and resting in a dark room may help alleviate symptoms temporarily, but professional evaluation is crucial.
Medication: Photokeratitis typically does not require specific medication for treatment, but symptom relief can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Lubricating eye drops can help soothe the eyes, and cold compresses can reduce discomfort. It is crucial to avoid further UV exposure and to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes while they heal.
Repurposable Drugs: Repurposable drugs commonly used for photokeratitis include:

1. **NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)**: These can help reduce inflammation and pain.
2. **Antibiotic Eye Drops**: Used to prevent secondary infection if the corneal epithelium is damaged.
3. **Lubricating Eye Drops**: These can provide relief from dryness and irritation.
4. **Cycloplegic Agents**: These can relieve pain caused by ciliary muscle spasms.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication.
Metabolites: Photokeratitis, also known as ultraviolet keratitis, is an eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This condition primarily affects the cornea and conjunctiva. However, the specific focus on metabolites in the context of photokeratitis is not well-defined in current medical literature. The condition does not typically involve a specific set of metabolites as it is more directly related to UV damage.

Effective treatment involves protecting the eyes from further UV exposure, using lubricating eye drops, and managing pain with cold compresses or medications. For comprehensive advice on treatment and the role of metabolites in UV-related eye conditions, consulting an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Nutraceuticals: There is no substantial evidence supporting the use of nutraceuticals or nanotechnology-based treatments specifically for photokeratitis. Photokeratitis, often referred to as "sunburn of the cornea," typically results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The primary treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, including cool compresses, artificial tears, and pain relievers. UV-protective eyewear is essential for prevention.
Peptides: Photokeratitis, also known as ultraviolet keratitis, is an eye condition resulting from intense exposure to UV radiation. It is essentially a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, and photophobia. Treatment typically involves pain relief, artificial tears, and avoiding further UV exposure while healing. No specific peptides are routinely associated with the standard treatment of photokeratitis. The application of nanotechnology in treating photokeratitis is still in the research phase, focusing on potential drug delivery systems to enhance eye treatment efficacy.