Any eye injury has the potential to be a very serious issue. When an injury to the eye occurs, it’s important to have a doctor check it out as soon as possible.
Knowing how to recognize an eye injury and how to respond to it is important information everyone should have.
Recognizing An Eye Injury
Here are some signs that indicate an eye injury has occurred. If you see these symptoms in yourself or someone else, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- One eye not moving as well.
- One eye protruding more from the socket.
- Unusual size or shape of pupils.
- Blood in clear part of eye.
- Cut or torn eyelid.
- Pain.
- Trouble seeing.
How To Respond To An Eye Injury
The correct response to an eye injury can depend on the nature of the injury. However, for ANY type of eye injury, you should do the following:
- DO NOT rub the eye, as this can worsen the injury.
- DO NOT remove an object stuck in the eye.
- DO NOT apply medication to the eye.
- DO see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
For cuts or punctures to the eye:
- DO NOT rinse with water.
- DO NOT take any non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug, including aspirin and ibuprofen.
- DO gently cover the eye with a shield and get to the doctor right away.
For sand or other small debris in the eye:
- Flush with eyewash.
- If debris doesn’t come out with flushing, gently cover and see eye doctor.
For chemical burns to the eye:
- Flush with lots of clean water.
- Immediately get emergency medical treatment.
The optometrists and ophthalmologists at Berkeley Eye Center treat a wide range of eye injuries conditions and conditions every day. Call 713-526-1600 to schedule an eye exam or schedule online.