eye injury

EYE INJURY/TRAUMA


How do eye injuries happen?

Striking or scraping:

Most eye injuries result from small particles or objects striking or scraping the eye, such as: dust, cement chips, metal slivers, and wood chips. These materials are often ejected by tools, windblown, or fall from above an individual. Large objects may also strike the eye or face, or an individual may run into an object causing blunt-force trauma to the eyeball or eye socket.


Penetration:

Objects like nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal can go through the eyeball and result in a permanent loss of vision.


Chemical and thermal burns:

Industrial chemicals or cleaning products are common causes of chemical burns to one or both eyes. Thermal burns may also occur. These burns routinely damage to the eyes and surrounding tissue.


How do individuals acquire eye diseases?

Eye diseases are often transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye as a result of direct exposure to things like blood splashes, and droplets from coughing or sneezing or from touching the eyes with a contaminated finger or object. Eye diseases can result in minor reddening or soreness of the eye or in a life-threatening disease such as HIV, hepatitis B virus, or avian influenza.


When to Call a Doctor:

  • Noticeable change in vision

  • Swelling in the eye

  • Double vision

  • Severe pain

  • Torn eyelid

  • Deep ache around the eye and brow

  • Headache


FIRST AID MANAGEMENT:

Call local emergency response team if:

An object such as a piece of glass or metal is sticking out of the eye.


1. For Chemical Exposure

  • Don't rub eyes.

  • Immediately wash out the eye with lots of water. Use whatever is closest -- water fountain, shower, etc.

  • Get medical help while you are doing this, or after 15 to 20 minutes of continuous flushing

  • Don't bandage the eye.


2. For a Blow to the Eye

  • Apply a cold compress, but don't put pressure on the eye.

  • Take over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain.

  • If there is bruising, bleeding, change in vision, or it hurts when your eye moves, see a doctor right away.


3. For a Foreign Particle in Eye

  • Don't rub the eye.

  • Pull the upper lid down and blink repeatedly.

  • If particle is still there, rinse with eyewash.

  • If rinsing doesn't help, close eye, bandage it lightly, and see a doctor.


REFERENCES:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/default.html

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-injuries-treatment

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-injuries-causes