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Posted by: Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute in Eye Health

Our eyes are like superheroes, always on the lookout for danger. However, sometimes, even superheroes need our help. Whether you’re in the heat of a sports game, battling dust bunnies as you clean, or celebrating a special moment by popping a cork, our eyes can be at risk. The curved shape of the eyes, which usually protects them, can also make them vulnerable to injury. It only takes a split second for an accident to happen, and the consequences can be severe, from temporary discomfort to permanent vision loss.

What Is an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency occurs when immediate attention is needed to prevent serious damage to the eyes or potential vision loss. In these situations, your eye doctor is your best resource. Their expertise and training enable them to diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions, including emergencies. Understanding this should encourage you to seek help from an eye doctor when necessary, assuring you that you are in capable hands.

Eye emergencies can range from minor incidents to severe trauma. Some common examples include foreign objects in the eye, chemical burns, cuts or punctures, and sudden trauma from accidents or sports injuries.

• Cuts and Scratches: Rubbing the eye when a foreign object lodges itself or getting poked in the eye with a sharp object can result in scratches or cuts.
• Chemical Injury to the Eye: Liquids, chemical powders, aerosols, or gases can enter the eye during daily activities and, if not treated, can affect vision.
• A Foreign Object in the Eye: The eye is exposed to foreign objects at work and play. Sharp particles, including metal, wood, or tool fragments, can enter the eye and cause an eye emergency.
• Trauma: A sudden accident related to a sports injury can lead to bleeding under the skin, which causes a black eye, which demands immediate care and attention to the cornea.

First Aid Treatment for Eye Injuries

Try to keep the person affected calm, and don’t panic! Here are a few steps before you reach out to your eye doctor or seek emergency care:

Chemical Burns and Splashes in the Eye:

• Tilt the person’s face down and sideways. Flush the eye with fresh water.
• Hold the person’s face under a sink or shower to flush both eyes if both eyes are affected.
• Allow the running water to rinse the eye(s) for 15-20 minutes.
• If the person is wearing contact lenses, try removing the contact lenses after rinsing the chemical out of the eye(s).
• Look for information on the chemicals that get into the eye, as some chemicals cause more eye damage than others.
• Seek emergency medical treatment right away!

If Your Eye Has Been Cut or Punctured

• Gently place a shield (protective cover) over the eye. The bottom of a paper cup taped to the bones surrounding the eye can serve as a shield until you get medical attention.
• DO NOT press the shield against the eye.
• DO NOT rinse with water.
• DO NOT remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
• DO NOT rub or apply pressure to the eye.
• DO NOT take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs thin the blood and may increase bleeding.
• After you have finished protecting the eye, it’s crucial to get emergency medical help immediately. This sense of urgency is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for the injured eye.

For All Other Eye Injuries

Injuries other than grit in the eye or minor scratches to the eye should be considered potentially serious, emphasizing the need for immediate attention and care. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, and if you can’t see an eye doctor immediately, go to the emergency room.

• DO NOT touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye.
• DO NOT try to remove any objects stuck in the eye.
• DO NOT apply ointment or medication to the eye.
• Over-the-counter eye drops can be more painful or make the injury worse.
• Prescription medications should only be used for precisely the prescribed condition, not for emergency treatment.
• See a doctor as soon as possible.
• If you can’t see an eye doctor immediately, go to the emergency room.

Prevention

Always remember to wear protective eyewear when playing sports, cleaning with toxic chemicals, or using power tools. This simple precaution can go a long way in preventing eye injuries. Be cautious and maintain healthy eyesight. If you notice any changes in your vision, contact us immediately!

References:  American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Optometric Association. This newsletter provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this newsletter and any linked materials is not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

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