Eye Trauma

Without prompt medical attention, ocular trauma⏤whether minor or major⏤can have lasting repercussions on the health of your eyes. Our Ophthalmologists will be able to assess the seriousness of your condition and determine the right type of treatment for you. Contact us today to learn more.

If damage to your eye has occurred, it it important to seek medical help right away. There are any number of ways you can injure your eyes:

  • Blunt Trauma: Swollen eyes and puffy eyelids are often the result of being hit with an object, such as a baseball or volleyball. Swelling can often be managed by gently placing an ice pack over the area.  However, an appointment with one of our doctors is important to rule out the possibility of ocular inflammation or damage.
  • Corneal Abrasions: A corneal abrasion can result when your eye is poked, or when a foreign body becomes trapped under your lid. Our doctors can safely and comfortably examine your eye and prescribe eye drops if needed to help your cornea heal.
  • Chemical Burns: These can occur by exposure to commercial agents during accidents at the work place, or even at home by accidentally spraying something like hairspray into your eye. Symptoms may include excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, and redness. As soon as exposure occurs, your eyes should be rinsed repeatedly with lukewarm water to dilute the chemical and minimize the impact to your ocular surface.  If the substance involved was caustic or the exposure was severe, a visit to the ER is recommended for acute care.
  • Subconjunctival Hemorrhages: These appear as unsightly red blotches on the white of the eye.  They can be caused from minor injury, such as coughing, heavy straining, or vomiting. They can also be the result of eye surgery.  In most cases, subconjunctival hemorrhages resolve uneventfully. However, you should be seen in our office to ensure there is not a more serious underlying condition.

Immediate treatment is necessary to address:

  • Traumatic Iritis: Inflammation in the iris, or the colored part of the eye, can occur from a severe poke or blow to the eye from a hand or blunt object. Treatment will usually involve medicated drops and careful monitoring to ensure there is no long-term damage.
  • Orbital Blowout Fractures: Blunt force trauma from a car accident, sports injury, or fistfight can cause a crack or fracture in the facial bones surrounding the eye. It can also lead to bleeding between the cornea and iris (hyphema). Treatment varies, but can include eye drops, medication, cold compresses, and even eye surgery to repair damage.
  • Penetrating or Foreign Object in the Eye: This type of injury is more severe than a corneal abrasion and can lead to loss of vision if not immediately addressed. It is often the result of metal, glass, or another sharp object penetrating the eye. It is imperative that you visit the emergency room or doctor’s office as soon as the trauma occurs. Do not try and remove the object on your own as you could cause severe damage.

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