According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, each year an estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the United States.
Accidents like eye injuries are often occur and we need to know, how to manage them. Some eye injuries are easy to manage at home by trying home remedies, yet some require immediate attention from healthcare experts.
What are eye injuries?
Eye injuries are described as physical or chemical damage to the eye or eye socket. It most commonly occurs when something scratches the eyes. Some toxic eye chemicals can also cause major eye injuries.
Types of Eye Injuries
Common types of eye injury are:
Black eye: A hit to the eye and the tissues surrounding it generates bruising, known as a black eye. A damaged eye usually refers to the tissues around your eye, not the eye itself. The area around your eye will swell and discolor like a bruise, with colors of black, blue, or purple.
Eye burns: Chemicals, radiation, or intense heat can all cause eye burns. A corneal flash burn is a mild thermal (heat) burn or sunburn on the eye caused by sudden, severe exposure. UV (ultraviolet) radiation can also cause long-term damage to your eyes. Chemical burns can occur as a result of using household cleaners or other industrial chemicals.
Eye Scratches: A corneal abrasion is a scrape on the transparent dome on the eye's surface in front of the iris. Makeup applicators, fingernails, cat claws, contact lenses, and airborne debris can all scrape the cornea. Corneal abrasions cause discomfort, eye irritation, and light sensitivity.
Blunt eye trauma: It can fracture the bones that surround your eye (orbital fracture). A blowout fracture might harm or trap your eye's supporting muscles between bone fragments.
What are the signs and indications of a potentially serious eye injury?
The signs and symptoms of eye injuries may vary from person to person. It may also depend on the different situations; however, it is important to understand the signs as it can worsen day by day and can cause a serious eye problem.
Some of the common signs include:
- Pain and swelling
- Eye bleeding
- Vision changes
- Changes in eye appearance
- First Aid for Eye Scratches
- Wash eyes with clear or saline water
- Try to blink your eyes several times as it can be helpful to get rid of dirt particles
- Don’t rub or touch your eyes several times
- Avoid using contact lenses before consulting with eye doctors
- Buy sunglasses to avoid direct sunlight
Eye Cut or Hole
To treat an eye cut or hole, cover it with a clean protective cover until a doctor examines it.
Avoid pressure on the eyelid.
Avoid rinsing your eyes with water.
Avoid removing anything lodged in your eye.
Avoid touching or pressing your eyes.
Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided because they will cause more bleeding.
You must go to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately.
If you have chemical burns in your eyes, wash them immediately with clean water.
You must identify the sort of chemical that caused the injury and inform the doctor, as some compounds are more harmful to the eye than others.
Visit the doctor directly for an eye examination.
What can I do to avoid an eye injury?
Not all accidents are avoidable, but many eye injuries are. The most important thing you can do to avoid an eye injury is to wear appropriate protective eyewear for your activity. If you're trying a new activity, home project, or chemical product, make sure you read the safety guidelines first. Always supervise youngsters around sharp items, projectile toys, and household cleaning chemicals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some eye injuries can be treated with home remedies, it is important to be aware of the signs of a serious injury and seek medical attention immediately. When in doubt, always see the other side of caution and visit an eye doctor to ensure your eye health. By following these tips and using protective eyewear from Elite Eye Care, whenever necessary, you can help prevent eye injuries and keep your vision clear.