{"id":3019,"date":"2026-02-27T04:46:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T04:46:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.besteyehospitals.com\/blog\/photokeratitis-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T04:46:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T04:46:24","slug":"photokeratitis-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.besteyehospitals.com\/blog\/photokeratitis-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"photokeratitis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">photokeratitis Introduction (What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>photokeratitis is an acute injury to the cornea caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.<br\/>\nIt is sometimes described as a \u201csunburn of the eye,\u201d mainly affecting the corneal surface.<br\/>\nIt commonly occurs after exposure to UV sources such as sunlight reflected off snow or water, welding arcs, or tanning devices.<br\/>\nThe term is used in eye care to describe a recognizable pattern of symptoms and exam findings after UV exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why photokeratitis used (Purpose \/ benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>photokeratitis is not a treatment or a device\u2014it is a clinical diagnosis. The term is \u201cused\u201d in ophthalmology and optometry because it provides a clear, practical label for a common and often dramatic presentation: acute eye pain and light sensitivity after UV exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the diagnosis photokeratitis helps clinicians:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identify the cause of symptoms quickly<\/strong> when the history suggests intense UV exposure (for example, skiing without eye protection or welding without proper shielding).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Differentiate UV-related corneal injury from other urgent conditions<\/strong> that can also cause a painful red eye (such as infectious keratitis or acute angle-closure glaucoma).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set expectations about the typical clinical course<\/strong>, which is often self-limited with epithelial healing over a short period, though severity and recovery time can vary by case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus evaluation on complications and look-alikes<\/strong>, including coexisting foreign body exposure, contact lens\u2013related injury, or infection risk if the corneal surface is significantly disrupted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Support prevention messaging<\/strong>: the diagnosis reinforces the importance of UV-blocking eyewear and occupational eye safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, photokeratitis is a useful concept because it connects a specific exposure (UV light) to a predictable tissue response (corneal epithelial injury) and guides appropriate clinical assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications (When ophthalmologists or optometrists use it)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinicians consider photokeratitis in scenarios such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sudden eye pain, tearing, and light sensitivity after <strong>skiing, mountaineering, or other high-reflection environments<\/strong> (\u201csnow blindness\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Symptoms after <strong>welding<\/strong> without appropriate eye protection (\u201cwelder\u2019s flash\u201d or \u201carc eye\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Exposure to <strong>tanning beds<\/strong> or high-intensity UV lamps<\/li>\n<li>Accidental exposure to <strong>germicidal UV-C devices<\/strong> (for example, some disinfection lamps), with timing that fits symptom onset<\/li>\n<li>Multiple people developing similar symptoms after a shared exposure (worksite, event, or facility)<\/li>\n<li>Bilateral symptoms that begin hours after exposure, especially when <strong>eyelid skin may also show mild burn<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications \/ when it\u2019s NOT ideal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because photokeratitis is a diagnosis rather than a procedure, \u201ccontraindications\u201d are best understood as situations where <strong>photokeratitis is not the best explanation<\/strong> for the presentation, or where <strong>another diagnosis needs priority<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinicians are cautious about attributing symptoms to photokeratitis when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is <strong>significant reduction in vision<\/strong> that is out of proportion to surface findings (another condition may be present).<\/li>\n<li>There is <strong>copious discharge<\/strong>, marked eyelid swelling, or signs suggesting infectious conjunctivitis or keratitis (varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li>The pain is severe with <strong>minimal corneal staining<\/strong>, raising concern for other causes of pain (for example, intraocular inflammation).<\/li>\n<li>There is a history suggesting <strong>chemical exposure<\/strong> (alkali\/acid splashes), which requires a different urgent approach.<\/li>\n<li>There is suspicion of <strong>penetrating injury or intraocular foreign body<\/strong> (metal-on-metal work, high-velocity impact).<\/li>\n<li>The patient is a <strong>contact lens wearer<\/strong> with corneal findings that could indicate contact lens\u2013associated microbial keratitis, which is managed differently.<\/li>\n<li>There are exam signs of <strong>acute angle-closure glaucoma<\/strong> (typically includes elevated intraocular pressure and other characteristic findings).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In these settings, clinicians broaden the differential diagnosis and may use additional testing or urgent referral pathways rather than relying on photokeratitis as the primary label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works (Mechanism \/ physiology)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mechanism of injury (high level)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>photokeratitis results from <strong>UV radiation damaging corneal epithelial cells<\/strong>. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. Its outermost layer\u2014the <strong>epithelium<\/strong>\u2014is highly sensitive and designed to act as a protective barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UV exposure can cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Direct cellular injury<\/strong> to epithelial cells (similar in concept to skin sunburn)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inflammation of the ocular surface<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Disruption of the epithelial barrier<\/strong>, leading to punctate epithelial defects that can be seen with fluorescein dye during an eye exam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relevant anatomy and tissues involved<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Key structures commonly involved include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Corneal epithelium:<\/strong> primary site of injury in photokeratitis<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conjunctiva:<\/strong> the thin membrane covering the white of the eye; irritation and redness are common<\/li>\n<li><strong>Corneal nerves:<\/strong> dense sensory innervation contributes to significant pain and light sensitivity<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tear film:<\/strong> instability can worsen symptoms such as burning and foreign-body sensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The deeper corneal layers (stroma and endothelium) are typically not the primary site in uncomplicated photokeratitis, though clinicians assess for broader involvement if symptoms are severe or atypical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Onset, duration, and reversibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike many mechanical abrasions where pain is immediate, photokeratitis often has a <strong>delayed onset<\/strong>. Symptoms frequently begin <strong>several hours after UV exposure<\/strong>, reflecting the time course of epithelial cell injury and inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Onset:<\/strong> often delayed by hours after exposure<\/li>\n<li><strong>Duration:<\/strong> often improves over a short period as the epithelium regenerates; exact timing varies by clinician and case<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reversibility:<\/strong> epithelial injury is generally <strong>reversible<\/strong> with healing, but complications can occur depending on severity, coexisting injuries, or infection risk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because photokeratitis is an injury rather than a therapy, properties like \u201cdose titration\u201d or \u201cintended long-term effect\u201d do not apply in the usual way. The closest relevant property is <strong>exposure intensity and duration<\/strong>, which influence severity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">photokeratitis Procedure overview (How it\u2019s applied)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>photokeratitis is not a procedure; it is evaluated and managed through a standard clinical workflow used for acute ocular surface complaints. A typical high-level approach looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Evaluation \/ exam<\/strong>\n   &#8211; History focused on <strong>UV exposure<\/strong> (snow, water reflection, welding, tanning, UV lamps)\n   &#8211; Timing of symptoms (often delayed)\n   &#8211; Assessment of <strong>vision changes<\/strong>, contact lens use, trauma risk, and chemical exposure risk\n   &#8211; Basic eye exam including visual acuity, pupil exam, and external inspection<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Preparation<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Clinicians may use topical anesthetic <strong>in-office<\/strong> to facilitate examination (use varies by clinician and setting).\n   &#8211; The ocular surface is prepared for staining to evaluate the epithelium.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Intervention \/ testing<\/strong>\n   &#8211; <strong>Fluorescein staining<\/strong> to highlight epithelial disruption; photokeratitis often shows <strong>diffuse punctate staining<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Slit-lamp examination to assess cornea and conjunctiva\n   &#8211; Assessment for foreign body, contact lens\u2013related findings, or signs suggesting infection\n   &#8211; In some cases, intraocular pressure measurement if clinically indicated<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Immediate checks<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Confirmation that findings match the history and pattern expected for photokeratitis\n   &#8211; Screening for \u201cred flags\u201d that would prompt alternative diagnoses or urgent escalation (varies by clinician and case)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Follow-up<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Follow-up timing depends on severity, exam findings, and risk factors (for example, contact lens wear or extensive epithelial defects).\n   &#8211; Clinicians may re-check epithelial healing and ensure no secondary complications are developing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types \/ variations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>photokeratitis is commonly described by <strong>source of UV exposure<\/strong>, <strong>clinical context<\/strong>, and <strong>severity<\/strong> rather than by a single standardized subtype system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By exposure source (common clinical labels)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Snow blindness:<\/strong> UV exposure amplified by reflection from snow at altitude or in bright conditions<\/li>\n<li><strong>Welder\u2019s flash \/ arc eye:<\/strong> high-intensity UV exposure from welding arcs without proper shielding<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tanning-related photokeratitis:<\/strong> exposure from tanning beds or similar UV devices<\/li>\n<li><strong>UV-C lamp exposure:<\/strong> accidental exposure to germicidal lamps used in some disinfection settings (risk depends on device design and safeguards; varies by material and manufacturer)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By laterality and distribution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bilateral<\/strong> involvement is common when both eyes are exposed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unilateral<\/strong> cases can occur if exposure was one-sided or if one eye was protected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By severity (practical descriptions)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinicians may describe cases as mild, moderate, or severe based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Degree of pain and photophobia<\/li>\n<li>Extent of epithelial staining<\/li>\n<li>Impact on functional vision<\/li>\n<li>Presence of associated eyelid skin burn or significant conjunctival inflammation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Severity grading and documentation style vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because photokeratitis is an injury\/diagnosis, \u201cpros and cons\u201d are best interpreted as <strong>advantages and limitations of the diagnosis as a clinical framework<\/strong>, and <strong>typical favorable vs unfavorable aspects of the condition\u2019s course<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Often has a <strong>clear exposure history<\/strong>, which can make the cause identifiable.<\/li>\n<li>Exam findings can be <strong>characteristic<\/strong> (diffuse punctate epithelial staining).<\/li>\n<li>Many cases have a <strong>short-term course<\/strong> with epithelial recovery over time.<\/li>\n<li>The diagnosis supports <strong>targeted prevention<\/strong> (UV-blocking eyewear, workplace shields).<\/li>\n<li>Typically involves the <strong>ocular surface<\/strong>, allowing direct visualization and monitoring.<\/li>\n<li>Provides a helpful way to <strong>triage<\/strong> other causes of painful red eye when the pattern fits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Symptoms can be <strong>intensely painful<\/strong> and disruptive despite superficial injury.<\/li>\n<li>Early exam findings may be subtle, especially if presentation is very soon after exposure.<\/li>\n<li>The presentation can resemble other conditions that require different management (for example, infectious keratitis).<\/li>\n<li>Risk assessment is more complex in <strong>contact lens wearers<\/strong> or those with ocular surface disease.<\/li>\n<li>Work-related exposures may involve <strong>mixed hazards<\/strong> (UV plus foreign bodies), complicating evaluation.<\/li>\n<li>While many cases recover well, outcomes can <strong>vary by severity and comorbidities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare &amp; longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>photokeratitis is generally an acute condition, so \u201clongevity\u201d refers to <strong>how long symptoms last<\/strong>, how quickly the corneal surface restores its barrier function, and whether any residual effects occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Factors that can affect symptom duration and recovery include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Severity and duration of UV exposure:<\/strong> more intense or prolonged exposure typically causes more epithelial disruption.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ocular surface health before exposure:<\/strong> dry eye disease, blepharitis, or prior corneal injury can influence comfort and healing dynamics.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contact lens use:<\/strong> may increase risk of overlapping injury patterns or infection concerns, and may influence follow-up decisions (varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Environment after exposure:<\/strong> dry, windy, smoky, or dusty environments can worsen surface irritation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coexisting injuries:<\/strong> foreign body exposure or mechanical abrasion can occur alongside UV injury.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow-up and monitoring:<\/strong> clinicians may re-check the cornea in higher-risk cases to confirm epithelial recovery and exclude secondary complications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most discussions of aftercare in photokeratitis focus on <strong>protecting the healing epithelium<\/strong>, <strong>supporting comfort<\/strong>, and <strong>watching for signs that suggest an alternate or additional diagnosis<\/strong>. Specific treatment choices and follow-up intervals vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives \/ comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because photokeratitis is a diagnosis, \u201calternatives\u201d typically mean <strong>other diagnoses that can look similar<\/strong>, or other explanations for a painful red eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">photokeratitis vs mechanical corneal abrasion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cause:<\/strong> photokeratitis is UV-induced epithelial injury; abrasion is usually mechanical (fingernail, paper, contact lens, foreign body).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pattern:<\/strong> photokeratitis often shows <strong>diffuse punctate staining<\/strong>; abrasions often show a more <strong>localized epithelial defect<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Timing:<\/strong> photokeratitis symptoms may be delayed; abrasions often hurt immediately (though exceptions exist).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">photokeratitis vs infectious keratitis (corneal infection)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Infectious keratitis can present with pain, redness, and light sensitivity, but may include <strong>infiltrates<\/strong>, significant discharge, or progressive symptoms.<\/li>\n<li>Risk factors such as <strong>contact lens wear<\/strong>, corneal trauma with organic matter, or immunosuppression can shift concern toward infection (varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li>Clinicians prioritize distinguishing these because the evaluation and management pathways differ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">photokeratitis vs conjunctivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conjunctivitis often causes redness and irritation, but photokeratitis tends to have <strong>more prominent photophobia and corneal staining<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Discharge patterns and exposure history help differentiate, though overlap can occur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">photokeratitis vs dry eye flare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dry eye can cause burning and foreign-body sensation, but photokeratitis is more tied to <strong>a discrete UV exposure event<\/strong> and may produce more dramatic light sensitivity.<\/li>\n<li>Both involve the ocular surface and tear film, so clinicians may evaluate for both, especially if symptoms persist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monitoring vs active intervention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some mild cases, clinicians may focus on observation and symptomatic support, while more significant epithelial disruption or higher-risk situations may prompt closer follow-up and additional measures. The approach varies by clinician and case, and depends on exam findings and risk factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">photokeratitis Common questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What does photokeratitis feel like?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt commonly causes severe light sensitivity (photophobia), tearing, burning, and a gritty \u201csomething in the eye\u201d sensation. Many people also notice redness and difficulty keeping the eyes open. Symptoms may start hours after the UV exposure rather than immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How quickly do symptoms start after UV exposure?<\/strong><br\/>\nSymptoms often appear after a delay of several hours. This timing can be a useful clue when the history includes skiing, welding, tanning devices, or UV lamp exposure. Exact onset varies by case and exposure intensity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is photokeratitis the same as a corneal abrasion?<\/strong><br\/>\nThey are related in that both involve the corneal epithelium, but the cause differs. photokeratitis is due to UV radiation injury, while an abrasion is usually due to mechanical trauma. On exam, photokeratitis often produces diffuse punctate epithelial staining rather than a single localized scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can photokeratitis affect one eye more than the other?<\/strong><br\/>\nYes. Many cases are bilateral because both eyes are exposed, but asymmetry can occur if one eye was more exposed or better protected. Clinicians consider whether uneven symptoms suggest an additional issue such as foreign body exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long does photokeratitis last?<\/strong><br\/>\nMany cases improve over a short period as the corneal epithelium regenerates, but the exact duration varies by clinician and case. Symptom intensity often decreases as the epithelial surface recovers. Persistence or worsening may prompt evaluation for alternate or additional diagnoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is photokeratitis dangerous?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt is often a temporary injury limited to the ocular surface, but symptoms can be intense and the diagnosis can overlap with other urgent eye conditions. Clinicians focus on confirming the pattern fits UV injury and ruling out problems like infection, chemical injury, or penetrating trauma. Risk and follow-up needs vary by case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What does an eye doctor look for during an exam?<\/strong><br\/>\nThey typically assess visual acuity, examine the ocular surface with a slit lamp, and use fluorescein dye to highlight epithelial injury. They also look for foreign bodies, signs of infection, and other causes of a painful red eye. The exam is designed to match findings with the exposure history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Will I be able to drive or use screens during recovery?<\/strong><br\/>\nLight sensitivity and blurred vision can temporarily interfere with driving and screen use. Functional ability depends on symptom severity and visual clarity, which can change over time. Clinicians often frame this in terms of safety and comfort rather than a fixed rule, and it varies by case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How much does evaluation or treatment usually cost?<\/strong><br\/>\nCosts vary widely by region, setting (clinic vs emergency department), insurance coverage, and what testing or follow-up is needed. photokeratitis itself does not require a specialized surgery, but costs can change if clinicians must rule out other urgent conditions. It is reasonable to expect variability by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can photokeratitis be prevented?<\/strong><br\/>\nPrevention focuses on reducing UV exposure to the eyes with appropriate protective eyewear. In outdoor snow or water settings, wraparound designs and UV-blocking lenses are commonly emphasized; in occupational settings, proper welding shields and safety standards are central. Protection levels vary by material and manufacturer, and correct fit and use matter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>photokeratitis is an acute injury to the cornea caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is sometimes described as a \u201csunburn of the eye,\u201d mainly affecting the corneal surface. It commonly occurs after exposure to UV sources such as sunlight reflected off snow or water, welding arcs, or tanning devices. The term is used in eye care to describe a recognizable pattern of symptoms and exam findings after UV exposure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>photokeratitis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Eye Hospitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.besteyehospitals.com\/blog\/photokeratitis-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"photokeratitis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Eye Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"photokeratitis is an acute injury to the cornea caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is sometimes described as a \u201csunburn of the eye,\u201d mainly affecting the corneal surface. It commonly occurs after exposure to UV sources such as sunlight reflected off snow or water, welding arcs, or tanning devices. 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