Burns to the Eye

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Have you had eye problems after an ultraviolet (UV) light exposure? Note: You may not have any symptoms for 6 to 8 hours after exposure to ultraviolet light.


See significance of an ultraviolet (UV) light exposure to the eye if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Red square with white cross logo

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Yes

Do you have decreased vision?

Yes

Do you have blisters on your eyelid?


Yellow telephone logo

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain, but your vision is normal?

Yes

Do you have blurred vision that does not clear with blinking your eye?


Green wait logo

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have mild pain that is not getting better after using home treatment for 12 hours or longer?

Note:

If pain is not 100% better after 24 hours of home treatment, an evaluation by a doctor is needed.

Yes

Do you have a small to moderate amount of discharge after 12 hours of home treatment?


If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.



Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: December 6, 2007
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology

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