Eye injuries come in many shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of severity. Some might require emergency action and immediate care by an eye doctor, while others can be dealt with at home. Follow this guide to common eye injuries, to plan out your next move in case of an eye emergency. Remember that general safety measures such as using safety goggles may be the best way to ensure healthy eyes.
One injury that should be regarded seriously is a corneal abrasion (scratched eye). It can lead to serious harm very quickly and potentially result in vision loss. Scratches are commonly caused by a poke in the eye, or scratching the eye when there is dust in it. Since a scratch can make your eye susceptible to bacterial infection it's very important that you contact your eye doctor or an emergency room. The best care for a corneal abrasion is to cover it loosely and to visit your eye care practitioner as soon as possible to ensure it is isn't infected. Touching the eye will only cause greater damage and patching the eye provides the ideal environment for bacteria.
Another typical eye injury is chemical burn. It is often traumatic when your are splashed in the eye by an unknown substance. It's critical to know which substance went into your eye. A chemical's fundamental composition is the most important factor. While acids can cause considerable swelling and pain, they can be rinsed out pretty quickly. However, base or alkali substances can be much more serious even though they don't appear to be since they don't result in as much immediate eye pain or swelling as acids.
While it is sometimes unpleasant to anticipate an eye injury, it's always good to have a plan for how to react in serious situations. By following these guidelines you can be assured that you'll be ready to face most common eye problems. Don't forget, extra safety measures can help you avoid this type of injuries altogether so consult with your eye care practitioner about preventative eye care options!