Flash Burns of the Eye in Grand Rapids, MI

A flash burn is a painful inflammation of the cornea, the clear “window” at the front of your eye. It happens when the eye is exposed to intense ultraviolet (UV) light. Any strong UV source can cause a flash burn, but welding torches are the most common cause—especially in industrial and construction settings common around Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Because of this, flash burns are often called “welder’s flash” or “arc eye.” They are similar to a sunburn on the surface of the eye and can affect one or both eyes.

The cornea usually repairs itself within 24–48 hours and often heals without scarring if treated properly. However, untreated flash burns can lead to eye infections, which may cause permanent vision loss.

Residents in Grand Rapids—especially welders, metal workers, mechanics, and people working outdoors in winter with bright sun reflecting off snow—should be aware of the signs, treatment, and local resources for flash burns.

Symptoms of Flash Burn

Symptoms usually start a few hours after UV exposure and may include:

  • A feeling that something is in your eye (gritty or sandy feeling)
  • Eye pain that can range from mild to very severe
  • Red, bloodshot eyes
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Watery or teary eyes
  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Difficulty keeping your eyes open
  • Headache around the eyes or forehead

If you live or work in Grand Rapids and notice these symptoms after welding, using a tanning bed, or being in bright sun or snow, seek medical care promptly at a local urgent care, your eye doctor, or a nearby emergency department such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Common Causes of Flash Burns in Grand Rapids

You can get a flash burn any time your eyes are exposed to strong UV light without proper protection. Common sources include:

  • Welding torches and arc welding (most common cause; high risk in manufacturing and construction jobs around Grand Rapids)
  • Direct sunlight, especially:
    • On bright summer days at Lake Michigan or inland lakes and rivers
    • In winter when sunlight reflects off snow and ice
  • Reflections from water, sand, metal, or concrete
  • Sunlamps and tanning beds
  • Certain high-intensity lamps, such as:
    • Halogen work lights
    • Photographer’s flood lamps
    • UV-curing lamps used in some industrial settings

Even on cloudy days in West Michigan, UV rays can still be strong enough to damage your eyes.

Diagnosis: How Flash Burn Is Checked

To diagnose a flash burn, a healthcare provider—such as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or emergency doctor—will perform an eye examination. In Grand Rapids, this can be done at:

  • Hospital emergency departments (e.g., Corewell Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • Eye clinics and optometry offices
  • Urgent care centers that evaluate eye injuries

The exam may include:

1. Numbing Eye Drops (Topical Anesthetic)

  • The doctor may place anesthetic drops in your eyes to numb the surface.
  • This allows a more comfortable exam.
  • These drops should not be used at home because they delay healing and can seriously damage the eye if misused.

2. Fluorescein Dye Test

  • A small amount of orange dye (fluorescein) may be placed in your eye.
  • Under a blue light, the dye highlights any scratches or damage to the cornea.
  • The dye is harmless and washes out with your tears.

3. Eye Surface and Vision Check

  • The provider will check:
    • The surface of the eye (cornea and conjunctiva)
    • Eyelids and lashes
    • Your vision (visual acuity)
    • Your pupil response and eye movements

If there are concerns about more serious damage, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist (a medical eye specialist) at a local practice or hospital in Grand Rapids.

Treatment for Flash Burns

Most flash burns heal within 1–2 days with proper care. Treatment focuses on pain control, preventing infection, and protecting the eye while it heals.

In Grand Rapids, treatment may be provided by your primary care doctor, optometrist, or an ophthalmologist at facilities such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health clinics.

Common Treatments Include:

1. Lubricating Eye Drops or Ointments

  • Artificial tears or lubricating ointments help:
    • Soothe the eye
    • Keep the surface moist
    • Support healing

2. Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointment

  • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment to prevent infection while the cornea heals.

3. Dilating Eye Drops

  • Sometimes dilating drops are used to:
    • Relax the muscles inside the eye
    • Reduce pain from muscle spasm
    • Allow your eyes to rest and heal

These may cause temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity, so you should not drive until your doctor says it is safe.

4. Mild Steroid-Based Anti-Inflammatory Drops

  • In some cases, a mild steroid eye drop may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
  • These must be used exactly as directed and only under medical supervision.

5. Bandage Contact Lens

  • An ophthalmologist may place a special bandage contact lens on the eye:
    • Protects the cornea
    • Reduces pain
    • Helps the surface heal

This is different from regular contact lenses and must be managed by an eye specialist.

6. Cool Compresses

  • Cool (not icy) packs placed gently over closed eyelids can help relieve pain and swelling.
  • Do not apply ice directly to the eye.

Using Eye Drops and Ointments Safely

Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. General tips:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or the bottle.
  2. For eye drops:
    • Tilt your head back.
    • Gently pull down your lower eyelid with a clean finger.
    • Hold the bottle above the eye and drop the liquid into the space behind the lower lid.
    • Close your eye gently for a few seconds.
  3. For ointment:
    • Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
    • Squeeze a thin strip of ointment along the inside of the lower lid.
    • Close your eye and move it around slowly to spread the ointment.
  4. Do not let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eye, lashes, or skin.
  5. Keep all drops and ointments out of reach of children.
  6. Store as directed—many eye medicines should be kept in the refrigerator.

Continue treatment until your doctor or eye specialist tells you to stop, even if your eyes feel better.

Pain Relief and Home Care

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, such as:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Other medications recommended by your doctor

Always:

  • Check the package for the correct dose.
  • Avoid taking more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at the same time.
  • Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have kidney, liver, heart problems, or are pregnant.

Pain from a flash burn usually improves after about 24 hours, but can be severe during that time.

Light Sensitivity

  • Wear sunglasses (preferably wraparound) when outdoors or in bright indoor light.
  • Rest in a dark or dim room if your eyes are very sensitive.

Contact Lenses

  • Do not wear contact lenses until your eye doctor says it is safe.
  • Regular contact lenses can worsen irritation and increase infection risk.

Artificial Tears

  • Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to ease dryness and discomfort.
  • These are available over the counter at most pharmacies in Grand Rapids, including Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, and local independent pharmacies.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Go to the nearest emergency department (such as Corewell Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health) or call 911 if:

  • Your eye pain is worsening or severe
  • Your vision is blurred (not just from drops) or getting worse
  • You notice increasing light sensitivity or glare
  • Your eye becomes more red, swollen, or has discharge
  • You feel generally unwell or develop a fever
  • You have a history of eye disease or only one good eye

It’s also important to return for follow-up exactly when your doctor or eye specialist recommends. Some problems—like infection or delayed healing—may not show up right away.

Local resources that can help include:

  • Your primary care provider or GP
  • Optometrist or ophthalmologist in Grand Rapids
  • Emergency departments at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for general health guidance and referrals

Preventing Flash Burns in West Michigan

Prevention is the best way to protect your eyes—especially in a region like West Michigan with heavy industry, construction, and bright reflections from snow and water.

At Work (Welding, Construction, Manufacturing)

  • Always wear properly coated safety goggles or a welder’s mask when welding or working near welding.
  • Make sure eye protection:
    • Meets ANSI or relevant American safety standards
    • Fully covers and seals the eyes, including the sides
    • Is rated for the type of welding or UV exposure you’re doing
  • Ensure coworkers and bystanders are also protected from stray UV light.

If you’re unsure whether your equipment meets safety standards, talk to your employer, safety officer, or contact WorkSafe Michigan or local workplace safety resources.

Outdoors in Michigan Weather

  • Wear quality sunglasses whenever you are outdoors in bright conditions—especially:
    • On sunny winter days with snow glare
    • Near lakes, rivers, or beaches where sunlight reflects off the water
    • While boating, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling

Check the label when buying sunglasses:

  • They should block 100% of UVA and UVB radiation or say “UV 400.”
  • Wraparound styles offer better protection from side reflections.

Tanning Beds and Sunlamps

  • Always wear protective eye goggles designed for tanning beds or UV lamps.
  • Never use a tanning bed without proper eye protection.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you have a flash burn or any eye emergency:

  • Call 911 if your symptoms are severe or your vision is suddenly affected.
  • Go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities in the area
  • Contact:
    • Your primary care doctor
    • An optometrist or ophthalmologist
    • A pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter eye lubricants and pain relief
  • For workplace injuries, your employer may also direct you to an occupational health clinic or safety hotline.

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can provide general health information and help connect you with local medical resources if you’re unsure where to go.

Key Points About Flash Burns of the Eye

  • Flash burns are caused by intense UV light, most commonly from welding torches, but also from sunlight, snow, water, and tanning beds.
  • Symptoms include eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, watery eyes, blurred vision, and the feeling that something is in your eye.
  • The cornea often heals in 1–2 days, but proper treatment is essential to prevent infection and vision loss.
  • Follow all prescribed treatments and eye drop instructions until your doctor tells you to stop.
  • Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes have fully healed and your eye doctor approves.
  • Always return for follow-up appointments as advised, even if your eyes feel better.
  • To prevent flash burns, use proper eye protection that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation, whether you’re welding in a Grand Rapids shop or enjoying winter sports and summer activities around West Michigan.