A question was posed to me recently on the effects of UV-C light exposure to your eyes.  Here is my response

“Yes, UV-C is harmful to your eyes.  If you come in contact with it for short periods of time, you may get a “sunburn” and your eyes will feel like they are swollen and puffy, itchy, and it is very uncomfortable.  This will go away after a period of time, but extended or repeat exposure to UV-C lights are harmful.  Every precaution must be made to make sure the lamps are turned off before any servicing is done.  If used in schools or other places other than a home, it is advisable to post a sign noting UV-C exposure is harmful and to remove power before servicing.  Another option would be to rig a safety switch to the access door, say, of an air handler unit that uses UV-C and when the door is opened, the lights will automatically be powered down.  Bottom line is that a short glance of the UV-C light will do no harm to your eyes, but one must make sure that it does not happen if possible.”

When changing your lamps in your home, you need to first remove power to the unit first to avoid any accidental occurence of viewing the UV-C light.  While it may not be fatal, it certainly be uncomfortable while your eyes are healing.