Home Remedies for Welders Flash

Welder’s flash is a painful condition that can occur when people weld metal using stick welder or others without wearing eye protection. When welding, ultraviolet (UV) light is emitted by the welding arc and will burn the cornea, causing, pain, inflammation and bloodshot eyes. If it’s not treated, it can lead to more serious eye conditions.

If you’re unfortunate enough to have been exposed to harmful UV light, then there are some home remedies you can try to help ease the pain and speed up recovery. Remember, you should always seek medical advice, and prevention is better than cure! If you’re planning on welding, then be sure to wear a suitable welding helmet to protect you and keep your eyes healthy.  

Symptoms of Welders Flash

If you have the following symptoms then you may have welder’s flash

Home Remedies for Welders Flash

1. Artificial tears

Applying artificial tears eye drops can prevent dryness in your eyes to reduce irritation. You need to ensure you eyes retain moisture to help a quick recovery and limit the amount of pain you suffer. You can buy these at most pharmacies

2. Ice Pack

An ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables can really help ease pain and inflammation in your eyes. Gently press the cold material onto your eyelids for a few minutes at a time and this should help the recovery process and reduce redness.

3. Slice of potato

Raw potato can provide a cooling effect to your eyes and are a useful home remedy to help sooth the pain. Take a small raw potato and cut two slices out of it or chop it in half. Then place either a slice on each eyelid, with the cut edges against the eyelids. Leave these there for 15 minutes and it will help to prevent dryness and itching. Try putting the potato in the fridge first to get it even cooler.

4. Cucumber

Cucumber also has properties which help to sooth and cool the skin. Applying slices of cucumber on top of your eyelids will naturally hydrate your eyes and help them to relax. Hold the cucumbers there and they should help to cool away the pain.

5. Tea Bags

Tea contains antioxidants that helps reduce inflammation. Dip a tea bag in cold water and squeeze the excess water out of it. They place them on top of your eyelids for a few minutes to feel a soothing effect.

6. Over the Counter Medications

Over the counter medications such as Paracetamol, Aspirin and Ibuprofen has help to reduce pain and swelling. If you visit your local pharmacy they you’ll be able to get these over the counter. Make sure to stick to recommended doses.

Tips for recovery

Here are a couple of tips to help with the recovery process.

1. If you usually wear contact lenses, you shouldn’t wear these until your eyes have healed. They will only irritate the eyes further, so wear glasses until you’ve recovered.

2. Wear sunglasses if you’re outside. Welder’s flash is essentially sunburn of the eye and going out into the sun you will expose the eyes to more harmful UV rays. Give your eyes a rest by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

Try these natural remedies to help recover from welders flash and remember to look after your body and protect your eyes from harmful UV light.