Eye Injury
Damage to your eye is an issue that should be taken very seriously. It can happen from a variety of causes, including sports injuries, car accidents, workplace hazards, and fights, to something as minor as a strain. It can cause pain, swelling, redness, and flashes of light. You should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you have an eye injury. Some eye injuries will heal with rest and home treatments, while others may cause serious damage and vision loss.
Common Eye Injuries
There are a number of widespread eye injuries that someone may experience. Each one of them should be taken seriously.
Vision Changes
If you have blurry vision or double vision, you should get it checked out by an eye care specialist.
Black Eye
A hit to the eye or surrounding tissue is what causes a black eye. Bruising and pain can result, and the swelling can interfere with your vision.
Bleeding in the Eye
Eye trauma or severe straining can cause bleeding from a broken blood vessel. While it is not a serious issue on its own, it could be the result of bleeding from another part of the eye, which can be more detrimental.
Burns or Irritation
Burning or irritation of the eye caused by chemicals, fumes, and other irritations can lead to loss of vision.
Corneal Abrasion
The clear, transparent area in front of the eye is known as the cornea. Eyelashes, fingernails, contact lenses, and other foreign objects can scratch the cornea, causing eye watering, pain, and sensitivity to light.
Foreign Object
Outside items can get lodged in the eye, causing eye injuries. These include, but are not limited to, dirt or debris, shattered glass, sawdust, and even contact lenses when left in the eye for too long. Do not remove these, instead, loosely tape an eye shield over the eye and seek immediate medical attention.
Orbital Fracture
Blunt force or trauma to the surrounding bones of the eye can cause a fracture, usually when an object or fist impacts the eye. During an orbital blowout fracture, the eye socket bones shatter, and the muscles that support the eyes can become trapped, stretch, or tear.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment or tears are the complications that are potentially the most serious incidents. In retinal detachment, the retina fully separates from the vascular system in the eye. Signs of this are flashing lights and black spots. It immediately causes vision to decrease and can result in permanent loss of vision if left untreated.
What to Do When You Have Eye Trauma
You need to treat all eye injuries with great care. It is not always easy to notice when an eye is injured, and sometimes it’s only obvious when it is very serious. Do not try to treat it yourself; seek out an eye doctor immediately.
Eye Scratches
It’s usually not an emergency if you get sand, dirt, dust, or other tiny natural particles in your eye. These are the steps you should take if you have sand or other particles in your eye.
- Do not rub your eye.
- Blink several times and try to let the tears flush your eye naturally.
- Lift your top eyelid over the bottom and use it as a brush.
- Use eyewash, saline solution, or tap water to flush your eye.
- See a doctor if you feel like you have a corneal abrasion.
Getting Hit in the Eye
- Reduce pain and swelling with a cold compress. Don’t use a steak or other food items, as they can cause bacteria to get into the eye.
- Don’t apply pressure to the eye.
- Contact an ophthalmologist.
How Long Does Blurry Vision Last After Getting Hit in the Eye?
If your eye gets poked or hit by a serious trauma, it depends on the pressure of the hit. It could take a few days to heal. But a black eye or popped blood vessels may take a few weeks to heal.
Cut on the Eye
- Shield your eye.
- Do not apply pressure.
- Do not rinse.
- Do not remove the item.
- Do not rub.
- Don’t take any anti-inflammatory medications.
- Seek medical help immediately.
Chemical Burn in the Eye
- Immediately flush your eyes.
- Research the chemical, as some may have a larger impact on your eyes than others.
Treating Eye Injuries
When it comes to treating eye injuries, it depends on the type of injury as well as how severe it is.
Abrasions: If you have an abrasion, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Foreign object: If a foreign object is in your eye, the object will need to be removed.
Increased lingering eye pressure: If your eye pressure increases after an injury or other damage, you’re at risk for glaucoma. You’ll be prescribed preventative treatments to prevent it.
Damaged inner eye structure: If the inner structure of your eye is damaged, it may require surgery to be repaired.
Eye Trauma Specialists
Injuries to the eye, no matter how insignificant they may seem at first, need to be taken seriously. If you or a loved one has experienced eye trauma, contact the Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons as soon as possible.
In case of an emergency, please call your local office.
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