Mass photokeratitis following ultraviolet light exposure at a nightclub

Ting, Michelle; Saha, Kamran; Robbie, Scott

doi:10.1016/j.clae.2016.01.009

Cited by 11 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Stripp et al documented a case series of 18 employees at a restaurant with photokeratitis after exposure to UV-C spectrum light bulbs that were inadvertently shipped and installed in insect light traps. 24 Similar associations are documented after UV exposure at a night club 14 and in public gatherings within the vicinity of UV light sources with damaged protective covers. 12,13 Pertinent to our study, Leung and Ko reported a family of three adults with photokeratitis after exposure to a UV-C germicidal lamp early in the pandemic in Hong Kong.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 59%

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UV-Photokeratitis Associated with Germicidal Lamps Purchased during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sengillo

Kunkler

Medert

et al. 2020

Ocular Immunology and Inflammation

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Purpose: To report photokeratitis caused by the improper use of germicidal lamps purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Case series. Results: Seven patients presented with acute ocular surface pain after exposure to UV-emitting germicidal lamps. Visual acuity was 20/30 or better in 13 of 14 eyes (93%). Anterior segment examination revealed varying degrees of conjunctival injection and diffusely distributed punctate epithelial erosions (PEEs) in every patient. No intraocular inflammation was identified across the cohort and all fundus examinations were normal. Treatment varied by provider and included artificial tears alone or in combination with antibiotic ointments and/or topical steroids. Five patients were followed via telehealth, one patient returned for an in-office visit, and one patient was lost to follow-up. Five of six patients endorsed complete resolution of symptoms within 2-3 days. Conclusions: Patients should follow manufacturer recommendations when using UV-emitting germicidal lamps and avoid direct exposure to the ocular surface.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 59%

“…11 However, artificial sources of light are also a cause. [12][13][14] Here we report seven cases in which improper use of germicidal lamps purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic lead to UV photokeratitis in patients presenting to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.…”

mentioning

confidence: 92%

UV-Photokeratitis Associated with Germicidal Lamps Purchased during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sengillo

Kunkler

Medert

et al. 2020

Ocular Immunology and Inflammation

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“…This is a risk both indoors and out. With respect to the former, UV light is used in entertainment such as black lights at nightclubs, and mass presentations of photokeratitis have been reported [82]. UV used as a disinfectant has been reported in 41 cases of photokeratitis in poultry workers [83].…”

Section: The Corneamentioning

confidence: 99%

Photobiomodulation of the Visual System and Human Health

Buch

Hammond

2020

IJMS

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Humans express an expansive and detailed response to wavelength differences within the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. This is most clearly manifest, and most studied, with respect to a relatively small range of electromagnetic radiation that includes the visible wavelengths with abutting ultraviolet and infrared, and mostly with respect to the visual system. Many aspects of our biology, however, respond to wavelength differences over a wide range of the EM spectrum. Further, humans are now exposed to a variety of modern lighting situations that has, effectively, increased our exposure to wavelengths that were once likely minimal (e.g., “blue” light from devices at night). This paper reviews some of those biological effects with a focus on visual function and to a lesser extent, other body systems.

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“…Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible electromagnetic radiation shorter in wavelength than visible light. UV radiation is subdivided into bands; UV‐A (400 to 320 nm), UV‐B (320 to 290 nm), UV‐C (290 to 100 nm) . Sunlight at the Earth's surface is primarily UV‐A and UV‐B after attenuation by Earth's atmosphere.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Occult presentations of ultraviolet radiation‐induced photokeratitis have been previously described in various settings due to damaged metal halide lights in school gymnasiums, UVC germicidal light applications, and overexposure from nightclub lights . When lamps with a protective outer coating become damaged and are not self‐extinguishing, they continue to function despite the missing or broken exterior.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photokeratitis among restaurant workers: A case series

Stripp

Dulaney

Beuhler

et al. 2018

American J Industrial Med

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This case report highlights the challenges associated with the diagnosis and workplace evaluation of occupationally acquired ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced photokeratitis and associated skin burns in a group of restaurant workers. UV-C spectrum bulbs were inadvertently shipped and installed in insect light traps. Ocular and dermal symptoms were reported in 18 of 85 restaurant employees to varying degrees of severity over a 2-day period. One patient was formally diagnosed with a chemical burn/irritation of the cornea. More severe symptoms were reported by individuals working in close proximity to the lights. This clinical picture can resemble mass chemical or irritant exposure when multiple individuals are affected, and a multidisciplinary approach was required for rapid identification of the source to limit morbidity. Prevention strategies for similar events should be considered which can include limiting hardware compatibility and improving warning labels.

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Mass photokeratitis following ultraviolet light exposure at a nightclub

Cited by 11 publications

References 2 publications

UV-Photokeratitis Associated with Germicidal Lamps Purchased during the COVID-19 Pandemic

UV-Photokeratitis Associated with Germicidal Lamps Purchased during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Photobiomodulation of the Visual System and Human Health

Photokeratitis among restaurant workers: A case series

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