Eye Trauma

Have you ever experienced some sort of eye trauma? If so, you know how uncomfortable eye trauma can be. But what causes eye trauma? Is there a way to prevent eye-related injuries? Read on to find out.

The delicate tissues inside and around your eye need protection and TLC. Find out what causes most eye injuries and how to prevent them.

Eye Trauma: Types of Eye Injuries

The skin around your eyes is delicate and easily damaged, which is why eyes are so prone to injuries. From cuts and scratches to burns and objects stuck in your eyes, there are many ways that your eyes may sustain injuries. Depending on the cause of your eye trauma, your injury may range in severity and require medical care. Some common types of eye injuries include the following:

• Blow to the eye: A blow to your eye may include an impact from a fist, ball, rock, or any other type of object to your eye or the muscles and bones that surround your eye. In mild cases, the force may cause your eyelid to swell and bruise. In severe cases, you may notice bleeding inside your eye. Additionally, certain blows may hit with enough impact to break the bones around your eye. When this happens, you may have to undergo surgery to repair it.
• Object in the eye: From grains of sand and wood particles to slivers of glass and stray eyelashes, getting objects stuck in your eye is never fun, especially if the object scratches your cornea as a result. The result can be a nagging, uncomfortable pain. It may feel like something is stuck in your eye that you can’t get out, no matter how hard you try.
• Cut or scratch: Accidents happen, and sometimes, those accidents involve scratching your eye with your finger or another type of object. When this happens, you may experience excess tears, blurred vision, redness, or pain. Fortunately, small scratches tend to heal up on their own. Deeper scratches, however, may result in long-term vision problems that might require medical attention.
• Chemical burns: Chemical burns in your eyes are serious business because certain chemicals such as alkalis attack skin tissue very rapidly, causing lasting and sometimes permanent damage. Unfortunately, many common household products contain alkalis, including drain cleaners and other cleaning products. Bleach is also a dangerous household product that can severely damage your eyes. That said, it’s best to avoid contact with your eyes if you’re working with heavy-duty chemicals and cleaning supplies. If you do sustain a chemical burn in your eyes, flush it with water and seek medical assistance.

Eye Trauma: When to Seek Medical Help

Many minor or mild eye injuries are often treated at home. However, more severe injuries, such as deep scratches and cuts or chemical burns that affect your vision or cause pain may require prompt medical care. It’s also wise to contact your doctor if you break a bone around your eyes or get a sharp object, such as glass, stuck in your eye. Other symptoms to look out for that may be indicative of a more serious eye injury include the following:

• Swelling in and around your eye
• Change in vision
• Double vision
• Torn eyelid
• Severe pain
• Deep ache in and around the eye or brow
• A persistent headache

Eye Trauma: Protecting Your Eyes and Preventing Injuries

One of the best ways to protect your eyes from injuries is to wear safety goggles or eye guards during events or tasks that may result in something flying or splattering into your eyes.