SriLanka, Aug. 22 -- Symptoms reported by 157 people including 58 men, 44 women and 55 children treated at Jaffna Teaching Hospital after attending a Hindu temple festival have raised serious concerns over possible ultraviolet (UV) eye injuries, a senior eye doctor said.

The patients developed severe eye pain, irritation, watering, sensitivity to light and difficulty opening their eyes after attending a festival at a Murugan temple in Piranpatru, where high-powered electric lamps had been installed around the temple.

A senior eye doctor said the symptoms were consistent with possible photokeratitis, an acute injury to the surface of the eye caused by excessive UV exposure. However, medical examinations and technical testing are required...