EYE INJURY |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Injuries to the eye include:
Contusions and fractures of bones that form the eye socket or orbit.
Contusions and lacerations of the eyelids.
Abrasion of the cornea (the transparent covering of the pupil of the eye) or other injury to the eyeball.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Bones that form the orbit.
Eyelids.
Eyeball: cornea, conjunctiva (white of the eye), iris (colored part of the eye) and aqueous humor (fluid in the eyeball).
Muscles, tendons, periosteum (covering to bone), nerves, blood vessels, skin and connective tissue in the vicinity of the eye.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
INJURY TO THE ORBIT:
Pain.
Swollen lids.
Protruding eyeball if bleeding occurs in back of the eye.
Numbness around the eye.
Inability to move the eye normally.
Decreased vision. INJURY TO THE LIDS:
Pain.
A cut, laceration or contusion with swelling, redness, tenderness, pain, bleeding or bruising ("black eye") in or around the eye.
Change in ability to see clearly. INJURY TO THE EYEBALL:
Eye pain.
Sensitivity to bright light.
Eyelid spasm.
Tearing.
Blurred vision.
Redness in the white of the eye.
Irregular size of pupils.
CAUSES
Direct blow in the vicinity of the eye.
Irritation from many different materials, such as pesticides on grass, lime used for lines, or gravel or dust.
Foreign body imbedded in the eye, such as a small piece of gravel, sand or glass.
Scratching of the cornea, either by a fingernail or a rough foreign body.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact sports such as football or soccer.
Racket sports.
Windy weather.
Rough terrain for workouts or competition.
HOW TO PREVENT
Wear a face mask for contact sports.
Wear protective glasses for racket sports.
Avoid areas that contain substances to which you are allergic, if possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's examination and treatment.
Emergency-room care.
Hospitalization for repair of facial bones that affect the orbit.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor (usually an ophthalmologist, eye specialist or a surgeon specializing in facial injury).
X-rays of the skull to detect possible fractures.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Infection, especially when imbedded foreign bodies are not completely removed from the cornea.
Permanent (sometimes total) loss of vision if infection penetrates the eyeball from the cornea.
Bleeding into the eye as a result of a blunt injury.
Scarring if eyelid lacerations are unattended.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Cornea injury with infection: This serious eye problem is usually curable in 2 to 3 weeks with special care from an ophthalmologist.
Eyelid injury: Eyelid lacerations usually heal in 1 to 2 weeks if they are carefully closed surgically. Sutures are usually removed in 7 to 10 days.
Orbit (bone) injury: Facial surgery by a cosmetic surgeon usually improves appearance. Bones require 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
Injuries due to foreign bodies: These injuries heal easily if the foreign body is removed and antibiotic medication is used to fight infection.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AID
Don't try to remove contact lenses.
Don't rub the eye.
Don't wash the eye.
Cover both eyes with loose cloth pads. Eyes move together, so both eyes must be covered to prevent movement of the injured eye.
Apply crushed ice in a soft cloth bag or a towel--not a heavy ice bag.
Avoid any pressure on the eye. Bleeding from eyelids is usually inconsequential but pressure can cause further damage.
Keep the injured person in a partial reclining position while en route to an emergency facility.
CONTINUING CARE
AFTER EMERGENCY TREATMENT:
Protect eyes from bright light or sunlight by wearing dark glasses.
Use ice packs or warm moist compresses to relieve discomfort. Prepare a compress by folding a clean cloth in several layers. Dip in warm water, wring out slightly, and apply to the eye. Dip the compress often to keep it moist. Apply the compress for an hour, rest an hour and repeat.
Sleep with the head elevated with 2 pillows until symptoms subside.
Don't rub the eye. FOR LACERATIONS AFTER SUTURING:
Keep the wound dry and covered for 48 hours.
If you change the bandage, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or non-prescription antibiotic ointment to the bandage.
After 48 hours, replace the bandage if it gets wet.
Ignore small amounts of bleeding. Control heavier bleeding by firmly pressing a facial tissue or clean cloth to the bleeding spot, avoiding pressure on the eyeball itself.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotic eyedrops or ointment to prevent infection.
Pain relievers.
Local anesthetic eyedrops or drops to dilate the pupil and rest the eye muscle.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities gradually after treatment.
DIETEat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs.
REHABILITATIONRehabilitation exercises must be individualized. Follow your doctor's or surgeon's directions.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a foreign body in the eye.
You have a cut or other eye injury.
The following occurs during or after treatment:
Pain increases or does not disappear in 2 days.
Your vision changes.
You cannot move the eye up and down normally.
You have a fever over 101F (38.3C).
You experience pain that is not relieved by acetaminophen.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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