Eye injuries often occur due to accidents or exposure to foreign objects and chemicals. The injuries include punctures, bruises, and scratches in the eye. Some can heal effectively with home remedies and rest. 

However, some eye injuries require emergency treatment to protect the eye and prevent vision loss. Treatment will depend on the severity and type of the injury. Here is more information on eye injuries and when to visit your optometrist. 

Common Eye Injuries

Eye injuries vary from those that are relatively mild to severe injuries. The most common injuries include:

• Hemorrhage or bleeding in the eye.
• A bruised or black eye, usually due to blunt force trauma.
• Corneal abrasion or scratches to the eye cornea.
• Chemical burns and irritation that can lead to vision loss.
• Injuries caused by foreign objects lodging in the eye.
• Eye socket (orbital) fractures caused by trauma to the eye. 
• Retinal detachment is usually caused by age-related eye conditions or trauma.

Risk of Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can happen anywhere at any time. They can happen when cooking, cleaning, performing yard work, or setting off fireworks. Anyone can get injured, but some people have a higher risk of eye injuries than others. 

Young kids and teenagers have a high risk of injuring their eyes around the home or at school. People who are active in sports, especially contact sports, have a higher risk. Individuals working in construction or with lasers, chemicals, and other irritants are more likely to get injured at work.

Symptoms of Eye Injuries

Signs that indicate an eye injury include:

• Redness and bruising.
• Pain and swelling.
• Bleeding in the eye.
• Vision changes.
• Changes in eye size or appearance.
• Difficulties with eye movement.

Most eye injuries result in damage to the eyeball or the tissues and bones around the eye. 

When to Visit Your Optometrist

Effective treatment for eye injuries will depend on the cause and the symptoms. Proper diagnosis is vital before treatment. To diagnose the condition, the eye specialist will examine the eye and inquire about the symptoms. 

Diagnosing involves checking for redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and bleeding. It also includes evaluating pupil contractions and eye movement, feeling for eye abnormalities, and looking for foreign objects. The optometrist will test your vision and use special equipment to examine the inner eye. X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be part of the treatment. 

Treating and Managing Eye Injuries

If you experience an eye injury, call or visit your optometrist immediately. Treatment will depend on the severity and type of injury. Treatment options for minor injuries include eye flushing, cold compresses, eye patches, and eye drops. Prompt treatment can help improve the prognosis and protect your vision. 

There are things that you can do to prevent eye injuries. Wearing safety goggles or protective eyewear when working or playing sports is essential. It is vital to store chemicals and cleaning products safely. Be careful around fireworks, and do not allow your children to handle them or to play with laser pointers.

For more on eye injuries and when to visit your optometrist, visit Today's Vision at our Laguna Niguel, California office. Call (949) 518-0055 to schedule an appointment today.