Eye injuries come in many shapes and sizes, some more serious than others. Some might necessitate emergency treatment and immediate care by an eye care practitioner, while others can be treated at home. Read this guide to typical eye injuries, to plan out your next move in case of an accident. Keep in mind that common sense safety precautions such as wearing safety glasses may be the best way to keep your eyes safe.
An example of an injury that should be treated seriously is a scratched eye. It can cause serious harm very quickly and potentially end in vision loss. Scratches are commonly the result of a poke in the eye, or scratching the eye when there is dust in it. Because a scratch can open your eye to fungal infection it's very important that you contact your eye care practitioner or an urgent care clinic. The best care for a corneal abrasion is to cover it loosely and to visit your optician right away to inspect it. Rubbing the eye will only cause greater damage and entirely covering the eye can give bacteria a place to grow.
Being prepared for what to do if you have been splashed in the eye by a chemical is extremely important. The first thing to do is put your head under a steady flow of barely warm water for about 15 minutes. Then contact your optometrist or an emergency room to find out what they suggest for such injuries. Make sure to tell the medical professional precisely what chemical entered your eye and what you're doing. If you're experiencing intense blurriness, go straight to your optometrist or an emergency room after washing it with water. Chemical encounters with the eye can cause a range of degrees of damage, from minimal pain to serious harm and even blindness.
Though no one ever wants to anticipate a serious eye injury, it's advisable to have a plan for how to react in serious emergencies. By following this guide you can rest assured that you'll be ready to handle most typical eye issues. Of course, extra safety protections can help prevent this type of injuries altogether so consult with your optometrist about preventative eye care options!
