A Guide to Handling Commonly Reported Eye Injuries

Eye injuries come in many shapes and sizes, some more serious than others. Some might require emergency action and immediate care by an optometrist, while others can be dealt with at home. Read this guide to typical eye injuries, to determine your next move in case of an eye emergency. Remember that general safety precautions including wearing protective goggles may be your best bet for preventing eye problems altogether.

One injury that should be treated seriously is a corneal abrasion (scratched eye). It can cause serious harm in a short amount of time and possibly result in blindness. Abrasions are normally the result of a poke in the eye, or scratching the eye when there is dust in it. Because a scratch can make your eye susceptible to fungal infection it's critical to visit your eye doctor or an emergency room. The best care for a corneal abrasion is to cover it loosely and to see your eye doctor immediately to make sure it is isn't infected. Rubbing the eye will only make it worse and fully covering the eye provides the ideal environment for bacteria.

Another typical eye issue is chemical exposure. It can be traumatic when your are splashed in the eye by a potentially hazardous substance. It's critical to know which chemical touched your eye. A chemical's fundamental composition is the most significant factor. While acids can cause considerable swelling and pain, they can be washed out pretty easily. However, base or alkali substances can be more severe but may not seem so since they don't cause as much initial eye pain or redness as acids.

Though no one ever wants to think about an eye injury, it's recommended to know what to do in such circumstances. By following this guide you can be assured that you'll be ready to deal with most routine eye injuries. Of course, extra safety precautions can help you avoid these injuries from the get go so consult with your eye care practitioner about preventative eye care options!