Shipyard Eye
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Shipyard eye, also known as welder's flash or photokeratitis, is an acute injury to the cornea caused by intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, often from welding without proper eye protection.
- Type
- The disease "shipyard eye," also known as "welders flash" or "arc eye," is not a genetic condition. It is an occupational hazard causing inflammation of the cornea resulting from exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) light, commonly from welding. There is no genetic transmission involved.
- Signs And Symptoms
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Shipyard eye, also known as ultraviolet keratitis, is an eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This often occurs in environments like shipyards, where welding and cutting torches are commonly used.
**Signs and Symptoms:**
1. **Eye Pain:** Often described as a gritty or burning sensation.
2. **Redness:** The eyes may become bloodshot.
3. **Tearing:** Excessive tearing or watery eyes.
4. **Blurred Vision:** Temporary blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
5. **Swelling:** Eyelids or surrounding areas may swell.
6. **Photophobia:** Sensitivity to light, causing discomfort or pain in bright conditions.
7. **Foreign Body Sensation:** Feeling as though there is something in the eye.
8. **Eyelid Twitching:** Involuntary twitching or spasms of the eyelids.
These symptoms typically appear a few hours after exposure and can last for up to 48 hours. Immediate protective measures and medical treatment are advised if symptoms occur. - Prognosis
- "Shipyard Eye," also known as Welder's Flash or Arc Eye, typically has a good prognosis with prompt treatment. This condition is a form of photokeratitis caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure to the cornea, commonly from welding without proper eye protection. Symptoms include pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and a feeling of grit in the eyes. These symptoms generally improve within 24 to 48 hours with appropriate medical care, which may involve pain management, antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection, and avoiding further UV exposure. Recovery is usually complete without long-term damage in most cases.
- Onset
- For shipyard eye, also known as Welder's flash or Photokeratitis, the onset of symptoms typically occurs within a few hours of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as from welding without proper eye protection. Symptoms can include pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and a feeling of grit in the eyes. If you have more specific questions or need additional details, feel free to ask!
- Prevalence
- Shipyard eye, also known as photokeratitis, is an acute condition resulting from UV radiation exposure, common among individuals working in shipyards due to activities like welding. It causes painful inflammation of the cornea. Prevalence data isn't readily available, as it tends to be underreported and is usually treated as an occupational hazard rather than a medical statistic. Consider protective eyewear to prevent this condition.
- Epidemiology
- "Shipyard eye," also known as photokeratitis, is an eye condition caused by exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) light. It is prevalent among individuals who work in environments with high UV exposure, such as welders, sailors, and outdoor workers. The condition results from damage to the corneal epithelium due to UV radiation, leading to symptoms like pain, redness, tearing, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Protective measures, including UV-blocking goggles and shields, are essential to prevent photokeratitis.
- Intractability
- Shipyard eye, more formally known as welder's flash or photokeratitis, is generally not considered intractable. Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, often from welding torches. The condition usually resolves on its own within a few days with appropriate rest and symptomatic treatment, such as pain relief and artificial tears. In more severe cases or persistent symptoms, medical intervention may be required.
- Disease Severity
- The disease severity for "shipyard eye," also known as photokeratitis, can vary. Photokeratitis is an acute condition typically caused by UV light exposure, such as from welding arcs or sunlight reflecting off water or snow. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. The severity depends on the duration and intensity of UV exposure, with most cases resolving within 24 to 72 hours with appropriate treatment, such as resting the eyes and using lubricating eye drops. However, prolonged or intense exposure can cause more significant discomfort and potential complications.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:13014
- Pathophysiology
- Shipyard eye, also known as photokeratitis or UV keratitis, is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The pathophysiology involves damage to the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the eye, due to UV radiation. This damage leads to the death of the epithelial cells, resulting in inflammation and shedding of these cells. The condition typically manifests with symptoms such as intense eye pain, tearing, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. It is commonly experienced by individuals working in environments like shipyards where arc welding without proper eye protection can occur.
- Carrier Status
- There is no disease known as "shipyard eye" in the medical literature. It is possible that you are referring to a different condition or using a colloquial term. If you provide more context or correct the term, I can offer accurate information regarding carrier status or other details.
- Mechanism
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Shipyard eye, also known as photokeratitis or ultraviolet (UV) keratitis, is an acute condition resulting from intense exposure to ultraviolet light, commonly occurring in industrial settings like shipyards where workers are exposed to welding arcs or bright sunlight reflecting off surfaces.
**Mechanism:**
Photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva. UV light exposure damages the epithelial cells of the cornea, causing inflammation, cell death, and shedding of the outermost layers of the cornea. This results in pain, redness, tearing, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
**Molecular Mechanisms:**
At the molecular level, the high-energy UV photons cause direct DNA damage in corneal and conjunctival cells, leading to the formation of pyrimidine dimers, which disrupt DNA replication and transcription. In response, cellular repair mechanisms are activated, including the nucleotide excision repair pathway to correct DNA lesions.
Additionally, UV exposure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress. These ROS can damage cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, further contributing to cell death and inflammation. The oxidative stress activates signaling pathways that result in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, contributing to the inflammatory response that characterizes photokeratitis. - Treatment
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"Shipyard eye," also known as photokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis, is an inflammation of the cornea caused by exposure to UV light. Its treatment typically involves:
1. **Pain Relief:** Use of analgesic medications or over-the-counter pain relievers.
2. **Artificial Tears:** Lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist and provide relief.
3. **Antibiotic Drops:** To prevent infection, if prescribed by a doctor.
4. **Eye Patches:** Temporary use of an eye patch to protect the eyes and reduce blinking, which can irritate the cornea.
Avoid further UV exposure and give your eyes time to heal. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. - Compassionate Use Treatment
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"Shipyard eye," also known as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), is an eye condition caused primarily by adenovirus infection. For compassionate use or off-label treatments, some practitioners might consider the following options based on clinical judgment and patient needs:
1. **Topical Cidofovir**: Primarily an antiviral agent, it can be considered for severe cases, although its use is mostly experimental and not widely endorsed due to potential toxicity.
2. **Povidone-Iodine Drops**: This antiseptic has shown some promise in reducing viral load, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for EKC.
3. **Betadine Wash**: A Betadine (povidone-iodine) eye wash may be used to reduce the viral load in the ocular surface in a controlled clinical setting.
4. **Cyclosporine A Drops**: An immunomodulatory agent that can help reduce inflammation, sometimes considered in persistent or severe inflammatory reactions linked to EKC.
5. **Corticosteroids**: Used to manage severe inflammation and symptoms, though they must be administered judiciously to avoid potential complications like prolonged viral shedding.
It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to consider the risks and benefits of these treatments and to ensure they are appropriately used in the context of EKC. - Lifestyle Recommendations
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For Shipyard Eye, which is a colloquial term for welder's flash or photokeratitis, lifestyle recommendations include:
1. **Protective Eyewear:** Always wear appropriate welding helmets or goggles with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful radiation.
2. **Regular Breaks:** Take frequent breaks to reduce UV exposure.
3. **Proper Training:** Ensure proper training in the use of welding equipment to minimize accidental exposure.
4. **Avoid Direct Sunlight:** Use additional protective measures if working in environments with intense sunlight or reflections.
5. **Eye Care:** Keep your eyes lubricated with artificial tears if you experience dryness. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms like pain, redness, or vision changes.
These measures can help prevent photokeratitis and other eye-related issues common in welding and similar professions. - Medication
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"Shipyard eye," also known as ultraviolet keratitis or photokeratitis, typically results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, often from welding arcs ("arc eye") or other intense UV sources. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting healing. Here are some common approaches:
1. **Artificial Tears**: Used to soothe the eye and keep it moist.
2. **Pain Relief**: Oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
3. **Antibiotic Eye Drops/Ointments**: To prevent secondary infection, although these are not always necessary.
4. **Cool Compresses**: Applied to the closed eyelids to reduce pain and inflammation.
5. **Rest**: Avoiding further UV exposure until the eye heals.
It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the specific situation. Avoid rubbing the eyes, and use protective eyewear in environments with high UV exposure. - Repurposable Drugs
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"Shipyard eye" or "welder's flash," commonly known as photokeratitis, is an ocular condition caused by exposure to intense UV light. Currently, there are no specific drugs approved solely for photokeratitis. However, certain drugs can be repurposed for managing its symptoms:
1. **Topical NSAIDs**: For pain relief, eye drops containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ketorolac can be used.
2. **Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointment**: To prevent secondary infection, antibiotics such as erythromycin or ciprofloxacin might be considered.
3. **Lubricating Eye Drops**: Artificial tears can help in soothing the eye.
4. **Oral Analgesics**: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate pain.
Patients should avoid further UV exposure and use protective eyewear in the future to prevent recurrence. - Metabolites
- "Shipyard eye," also known as welder's flash or arc eye, is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from welding torches. The condition is not typically associated with specific metabolites for its diagnosis or treatment. The symptoms include pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Treatment often involves rest, lubricating eye drops, and sometimes antibiotics to prevent infection, but it doesn't involve monitoring or altering metabolic levels. If you suspect you have shipyard eye, it's important to seek medical advice for appropriate care.
- Nutraceuticals
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There is no widely recognized condition referred to specifically as "shipyard eye," so it's challenging to provide a detailed answer about nutraceuticals related to it. However, if you were referring to eye conditions commonly experienced by shipyard workers, such as conjunctivitis, pterygium, or other forms of eye strain or injury, nutraceuticals with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc might be beneficial for general eye health. Always consult a healthcare provider for advice tailored to specific health needs.
If "nan" refers to nanoparticles, their application in eye health is a developing field, with potential uses including targeted drug delivery and improved bioavailability of therapeutic agents. However, more research is required to confirm their efficacy and safety. - Peptides
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Shipyard eye, also known as photokeratitis, is an eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, often from activities like welding, which is common in shipyard work. The condition leads to inflammation of the cornea.
Peptides or nanoparticles (nan) are not standard treatments for photokeratitis. Standard management typically involves supportive care:
- Using lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist.
- Prescribing antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection.
- Advising rest and protection from further UV exposure.
If you need further specifics about the role of peptides or nanotechnology in treating eye conditions, research in advanced therapeutic applications is ongoing but not yet standard practice for conditions like photokeratitis.