Final answer:
The cornea is the part of the eye damaged by the intense UVB light from welder's flash. Repeated UV exposure may lead to cataracts, and eye protection is essential to prevent such damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the eye acutely damaged by the welder's flash of ultraviolet rays is the cornea. Welder's flash, also known as photokeratitis, is caused by the high-intensity UVB light present in welding, which can harm the eyes' surface. The cornea acts as the eye's protective outer layer, but excessive UV exposure, as occurs with welder's flash, can lead to corneal damage.
It is also worth noting that repeated exposure to UV-B rays may contribute to the formation of cataracts, which is a cloudiness in the lens of the eye. This condition can cause a loss of vision and is often related to aging, but extreme UV exposure can accelerate its development. Treatment usually involves replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one.
Moreover, protective gear such as welding helmets with appropriate filters is crucial to prevent eye damage when welding, as the light from an electric arc has enough energy to cause burns to the retina without proper protection.