Eye Injury

What is eye injury?

An eye injury, as the name suggests, is a medical symptom, wherein the structure and the function of the eye is disrupted/altered due to different reasons. It is a broad term that may include injury occurring to any tissue of the eye. An eye injury is a medical emergency, which can lead to loss of vision.  

What are its main associated signs and symptoms?

Common signs and symptoms of an eye injury include:

• Persistent eye pain
• Irregularity in the shape of the pupil
• Decreased vision
• Blurriness
• Bloodshot appearance of eyes
• Burning of the eyes
• Watering of eye

What are the main causes?

An eye injury can be caused due to different reasons. A callous attitude while you are engaged in recreational activities may increase the risk.

You may happen to injure your eye while playing sports such as boxing, wrestling, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, or badminton.

However, broadly, the common causes may also include,

• Bruises in the eye can be caused due to a sudden blow or a cut in the eyelid.
• Flash burns from a source of radiation such as bright lights may also injure your eye. Therefore, while working with these things in your workplace make sure you have your safety glasses on.
• Chemical burn due to the use of chemicals such as acids and alkali substances during work.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Once you are aware of an eye injury and notice any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, you should immediately take an appointment to see an eye specialist.

An eye specialist will check your symptoms. In order to have a clear view of the eye, he/she may add dilating drops that help to enlarge the pupil. This will allow the doctor to examine the inside of the eye properly and make an accurate diagnosis.

• In case of a foreign particle entering the eyes, he might remove it using a cotton swab.
• In case of a serious injury due to an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics.
• Your eye specialist may advise follow-ups to ensure complete recovery

Some of the common things you can be cautious about to prevent the occurrence of eye injuries include:

• In case you work with chemicals that can affect your eyes, make sure you wear safety glasses.
• Make sure you work with sharp things from a distance and therefore, avoid direct contact.

1. American academy of ophthalmology. Eye Symptoms. California, United States. [internet].
2. American academy of ophthalmology. Preventing Eye Injuries. California, United States. [internet].
3. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Eye Injuries
4. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Eye injuries: foreign body in the eye
5. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Eye injuries: chemical burns

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