Photokeratitis following exposure to germicidal ultraviolet lamps during the COVID pandemic

Abstract

Twelve patients presented with symptoms of pain, redness, watering, and photophobia following exposure to germicidal ultraviolet (UV) lamp. Anterior segment examination showed varying degrees of ciliary congestion and superficial corneal punctate epithelial erosions in all patients. Diagnosis of post-UV photokeratitis was made. Patients were treated with topical antibiotics and artificial lubricating drops. All patients were symptom free 1 week following presentation. The use of standard protective gear and closely following manufacturer guidelines can prevent such complications.

Keywords

• covid
• germicidal
• pandemic
• photokeratitis
• ultraviolet