Eye injury

Besides the different refractive errors and vision dysfunctions, we often come across eye injury or its damage mechanically. This may range from only slight abrasions to serious injuries caused by acid burns or burns as such. What may happen and what to do in case it does?

Foreign body in the eye

Everyone must have encountered this at one time or another – dust, sand, a fly or a splinter or metal shaving. In case of small objects that are not stuck in the eye, we may remove these by washing out or using a clean handkerchief. We never touch the eye with our fingers and absolutely never use any other object. In case of metal shavings splinters or stuck objects – never extract these yourself. Simply cover the eye as it is using a bandage and seek out medical help. Under no circumstances should you rub the affected eye or attempt to remove the foreign body yourself. Leave that up to the medical staff who have the necessary instruments at their disposition.

Contusion of the eye

This means compressing the eye through external physical force. It may be a blow from an elbow, a branch, being hit by a ball. The result may be an abrasion or contusion. Abrasions usually heal by themselves or using an eye ointment prescribed by an ophthalmologist may help. If the injury in question is of a more severe nature, cover the eye using a clean bandage or a cloth and find medical help. Never rinse the eye or manipulate with it in any other way. Severe contusion of the eye may be accompanied by bleeding and such injuries may result in blindness. As such, practice utmost caution.

Acid burns

Any damage to the eye by chemical substances – be it a detergent, chemical spray or petrol – is serious. The general rule is that you must always dilute the substance as fast as possible and rinse out. Rinse your eyes for at least 15 minutes using a strong flow of water (tap or bottled) and subsequently seek out medical help. To save the eye and prevent/limit permanent damage it is absolutely essential to rinse out immediately. Do not wait for anything, wash out immediately and thoroughly.

Burns

A spark from the bonfire or from welding may cause serious damage. Not only are burns to the cornea and surrounding area of the eye extremely painful, scarring may result on the cornea and your vision would be damaged. In such cases we recommend to always use cold compress and escort the hurt person to your nearest eye doctor.

Cut and stab wounds to the eye

Countless cut/stab injuries may happen to the eyes – from glass, broken glasses or stab wounds through careless manipulation of a knife. Such injuries are always very serious. Do not rinse your eyes and do not touch your eyes. Cover the hurt eye using a sterile bandage and seek out medical help immediately.

We remind our patients that prevention is better than cure and as such we recommend that you always practice utmost caution – use protective eyewear during outdoor activities and sports and always be extremely careful when using dangerous liquids.