Common Eye Injuries and How to Respond

Eye injuries can happen anywhere, anytime. It can happen while you are out relaxing or doing your house chores. The damage caused by an eye injury can be mild or severe. To avoid serious damage, you must know the eye injuries that occur and the ideal way to respond to them. Remember that your eyes are among the most delicate parts of your body. You need to know how to act quickly and with the correct care. Read on to learn more.

Chemical Burn

Your eyes need protection when you handle chemicals or are around harmful products. Otherwise, you increase your risk of getting a chemical burn. Any unfortunate accident can get these substances into your eyes. Most people get it from personal care products, industrial chemicals, and household cleaning products.

Chemical burn symptoms include blurred vision, tearing, redness, and intense pain. The best way to respond to this injury is by rinsing the affected eye with water for about 20 minutes. Do it immediately and ensure the water you use is plenty. Avoid rubbing the eye and rushing for medical attention.

Corneal Abrasion

The cornea is the clear outer surface of your eye. You can get a corneal abrasion when your cornea gets scratched. It can occur when foreign objects like sand and dust get into the eye. Individuals who get corneal abrasions experience symptoms such as tearing, light sensitivity, redness, and eye pain.

The best way to respond to a corneal abrasion is to use clean running water to rinse your affected eye. After doing so, apply a cold compress. Seek medical attention if you notice light sensitivity and pain persisting.

Retinal Detachment

The retina is at the back of the eye. It is a light-sensitive layer that can get detached from the underlying tissue. With retinal detachment, you can experience vision loss. This medical emergency entails symptoms such as shadows, floaters, and light flashes in your field of vision. Immediately seek medical attention to treat the injury.

Penetrating Injury

A foreign object can get into your eye and pierce it, causing a penetrating injury. The injury can cause severe damage to the affected eye and its surrounding structures. You can expect vision loss, redness, and intense pain. Moving the affected eye also becomes difficult. Still, it is crucial not to remove the foreign object. Instead, quickly seek medical attention.

Orbital Fracture 

The bones that surround your eye can break, causing an orbital fracture. It often occurs when you get blunt trauma on the face. It can happen when someone punches your face. It is crucial to have the injury treated properly to avoid severe consequences.

The displacement or shattering of the delicate bones surrounding your eyes can cause various symptoms. You may experience double vision, swelling, and pain. You can also have trouble moving your affected eye. The fracture can cause swelling and pressure. It can damage your eye and the surrounding tissues. Worse, you can experience different complications like vision loss.

Responding quickly after getting an orbital fracture is the best way to deal with the situation. Begin by applying a cold compress to the affected region. Doing so will help reduce pain and swelling. Seek medical care immediately. Your eye specialist will examine the injury and diagnose the ideal treatment. You may need therapy, medication, or surgery.

For more about common eye injuries, visit Berries Optical in Rocky River, Ohio. Call 440-571-7100 to book an appointment today.