Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea. The cornea is the outer, clear layer that covers the colored part of your eye and pupil.
Ultraviolet light can burn your eye and cause keratitis. Bright sunlight can do this if you don't wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet light. This is especially true when the sun's rays reflect off snow or water, or when you look directly into the sun for a long time.
The problem can also be caused by bright light from welding equipment (also known as "welder's flash"), tanning booths, and sunlamps. These can burn your eyes if you don't wear eye protection.
Your doctor may have put a few drops of medicine into your eye to prevent infection and scarring. Your doctor may also have given you an eye patch or a special type of contact lens to wear while your eye heals.
It may take 24 hours after the burn to know how much of your eye was affected. Your vision may be blurry and your eye may hurt and feel irritated. These symptoms should start to get better within a few days.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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