---
title: "Photokeratitis (arc eye and snow blindness)"
description: "What photokeratitis is, how UV light from sun, snow, welding or sunbeds burns the cornea, symptoms, and first-aid steps. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/photokeratitis/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Photokeratitis (arc eye and snow blindness)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Photokeratitis is sunburn of the cornea caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, often from bright sun, snow glare, welding arcs or sunbeds without eye protection. It causes painful, gritty, watering eyes and light sensitivity, usually several hours after exposure. Most cases heal within one to three days with rest and lubricating drops.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes
5. Treatment and prevention
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Photokeratitis is damage to the surface of the cornea from UV radiation, similar to skin sunburn. It is sometimes called arc eye after welding exposure or snow blindness after bright snow glare.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms often start hours after exposure.

- Painful, gritty, red eyes
- Watering and marked light sensitivity
- Blurred vision and swollen eyelids
- Symptoms may feel worse a few hours after exposure

## Causes

Common causes include bright sunlight reflected off snow or water, welding without proper goggles, high-altitude sun, sunbeds without eye protection, and rarely malfunctioning UV lamps. Good UV-blocking sunglasses or welding shields prevent it.

## Treatment and prevention

Remove contact lenses, rest the eyes in a dark room, use cool compresses and lubricating drops, and avoid further UV exposure. Do not rub the eyes. Seek urgent care if pain is severe, vision stays very blurred, or symptoms do not improve within two days. Always wear proper eye protection in high-UV settings.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does arc eye last?

Most photokeratitis settles within one to three days as the corneal surface heals. Seek care if symptoms are severe or not improving.

### What is snow blindness?

Snow blindness is photokeratitis from UV reflected off snow. It causes painful, light-sensitive eyes hours after exposure and is prevented with UV-blocking goggles.

### Do I need to see a doctor for photokeratitis?

Mild cases often heal with rest and lubricating drops, but seek care if pain is severe, vision is significantly blurred, or symptoms persist beyond two days.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Photokeratitis (ultraviolet [UV] burn, arc eye, snow blindness) - College of Optometrists](https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/photokeratitis_ultraviolet_uv_burn_arceye_snowblin)