Eye emergencies can occur at any moment. Emergencies for the eye can be broadly classified as scratches, cuts, external objects or particles getting stuck in the eye, chemical exposure, burns and injuries in the eyelid, etc., to name a few. Moreover, eye emergencies can also happen due to certain infections requiring immediate medical attention, such as glaucoma. Since the eye is one of the sensitive parts of our body that can easily get damaged, any of the scenarios mentioned above can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Considerations
Problems related to eye and vision have to be addressed immediately. Eye problems such as painful red-eye or vision loss should not be left untreated. Similarly, any injury to the eye or eyelid also requires the patient to be taken to the nearest optometrist in Scottsdale as soon as possible. Any delay in the treatment can lead to permanent and irreversible vision loss.
Causes for Eye Injuries
Blunt Trauma
Any blunt trauma to the eye can result in bleeding under the skin. The bruise stays for long and is known as a black eye. It is due to the tissues turning into black or blue, which gradually becomes purple, green, and yellow depending on the absorption of blood. After 14 days, the abnormal color goes away on its own. The blunt trauma could also lead to swelling of the eyelid and tissue around the eye. A swollen eyelid or a swollen face can also cause damage to the eye. Skull fractures can cause bruises around the eyes. Common reasons for blunt trauma include fists, airbags, and tennis balls.
Penetrating Trauma
Penetrating trauma can be severe, and it could be caused by using things such as knives, sticks, nails, etc. This type of serious injury usually requires repair by an experienced surgeon. Other penetrating trauma causes include foreign body objects thrown by high-speed machining, hammering and grinding, etc.
Chemical Injury
Chemical injuries to the eye usually happen at the workplace. It could also occur at home while using household products such as solvents, garden chemicals, and cleaning solutions. Haze on the cornea often clears after acid burns. However, certain alkaline substances could cause permanent damage to the cornea. It is desirable to clean the eye with a large amount of clean water or saltwater before taking the patient to an optometrist in Scottsdale.
Corneal Injuries Due To Foreign Objects
The cornea is a transparent tissue covering the front portion of the eye. It is vulnerable to dust, sand, and other debris. If you feel a pain in the eye that does not go away, redness in the eye or sensitivity to light are some of the symptoms that demand immediate treatment. An eyelid injury should also be considered an injury to the eye itself, and one should see the Scottsdale optometrist right away.
Symptoms
Various symptoms can occur in the person depending on the type of injury. Some of them to name among a few includes;
- Bleeding around the eye
- Decreased vision
- Bruising
- Persistent pain in the eye
- Headache
- Itchy Eyes
- Double Vision
- Total or partial vision loss in one or both the eye
- Redness in the eye
- Sensitivity to Light
- A pupil that is not equal in size
- Burning sensation in the eye
First Aid
The first thing you should do is wash your hands with soap and water before touching the eyelid. Most of the dust and sand will be washed away while washing the eyes thoroughly with water. Ask someone to find the object in your eye by going to a well-lighted area and moving your eyes up and down so that the person can identify the location of the object within the eye. A cotton swab can remove the particle from the upper or lower eyelid. However, if the particle is present in the eye’s surface, then it is desirable to use eye drops. A scratchy feeling or minor discomfort will exist for a day or two. If it persists, then get medical help.
If the object is stuck in the eye, it is better not to remove it. Calm the person and loosely bandage both eyes. Get medical help right away. If a chemical injury has happened, the person should flush both eyes with cool tap water. The person can also take a shower if both eyes are affected by the chemical injury. Use clean water or saline water for flushing the eye. If the eye is affected by a scratch, cut, or blow, the person should first apply a cold compress in the eye to reduce swelling. However, the person should cover the eye with a clean cloth or sterile dressing if the blood is pooling in the eye. Get immediate medical help without any delay. Eyelid cuts too require utmost attention. Put gentle pressure on the eyelid with a clean and dry cloth until the bleeding stops. However, it would be best if you did not press on the eyeball. Cover the eyelid injury with a clean dressing. It would be best if you also placed a cold compress to reduce swelling. Visit an optometrist right away.
Things Not To Do
- It would help if you did not press or rub an injured eye.
- You should not remove the contact lenses unless and until rapid swelling occurs in your eye.
- You should not remove any foreign particles that are stuck within your eye.
- Avoid using cotton swabs on the colored part of the eye. The person should only use cotton swabs on the inside or outside the eyelid.
When Should You See A Medical Professional?
Visit an optometrist in Scottsdale, AZ if you have the following symptoms as given below.
- The person should seek immediate medical help if the person has a scratch, cut, or some foreign object penetrating the eyeball.
- Chemical injury has happened to the person’s eye.
- Pain in the eye
- Redness in the eye followed by pain
- Headache or nausea that occurs with eye pain
- Blurred Vision
- Double Vision
- Bleeding that cannot be controlled.
