A 60-year-old male presents with sudden pain, redness, and vision loss in the right eye after a welding accident without using protective eyewear. What is the potential diagnosis, and what are the next steps?
This presentation is suggestive of a welder's flash or flash burn, also known as ultraviolet keratitis. This is caused by exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation which injures the cornea. Management includes pain control, often with topical NSAIDs or cycloplegics, and antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent a secondary infection. The patient should be followed closely to ensure that the cornea heals properly.