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

ABSTRACT

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Ultraviolet
• UV-C
• photokeratitis
• coronavirus
• COVID-19

Authors’ contributions

JDS, AK, and GA designed the study and interpreted the final results. DM, DHS, and JMP interpreted the final results. CM, BF, MS, NP, NP, NAY, AV, and DM assisted in data collection and manuscript preparation.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Consent for publication

All patients consented to participation.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Disclosure of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The current study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Miami School of Medicine Medical Sciences Subcommittee for the Protection of Human Subjects.