Spotting and Handling the Most Commonly Reported Eye Injuries

There are many types of eye injuries that can occur, with varying degrees of severity. Some might require emergency treatment and immediate care by an eye care practitioner, while others can be taken care of at home. Read this guide to typical eye injuries, to determine the next step following an eye emergency. Keep in mind that common sense safety measures including wearing protective glasses may be your best bet for avoiding eye problems altogether.

An example of an injury that should not be taken lightly is a corneal abrasion (scratched eye). It can lead to serious harm very quickly and potentially result in vision loss. Scratches are generally 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 crucial to see your eye care practitioner or an urgent care clinic. The best care for a corneal abrasion is to cover it loosely and to see your optician immediately to inspect it. Rubbing the eye will only make it worse and patching the eye provides the ideal environment for bacteria.

A chemical burn is another serious type of eye injury. It is often scary when your are sprayed in the eye by a potentially dangerous liquid. The first thing to figure out is what chemical went into your eye. A chemical's fundamental composition can make a huge difference. While acids can cause substantial redness and burning, they can be washed out fairly easily. However, alkali substances that are bases can be much more serious even though they don't seem so because they don't result in as much immediate stinging or redness as acids.

While it is sometimes unpleasant to anticipate an injury to the eye, it's recommended to be prepared with how to respond in potentially hazardous emergencies. By following these guidelines you can feel confident that you'll be ready to deal with most routine eye issues. Of course, extra safety protections can help prevent these injuries from the get go so consult with your eye doctor about preventative eye care options!