What Are the Common Causes of Eye Injuries?
Eye injury prevention begins with the use of appropriate protective eyewear as well as the secured storage of chemicals and other sharp objects. In addition to that, it is crucial to keep an eye on children during playtime. Whether one is cutting the grass, cleaning the bathroom or watching a cricket match, being able to identify potential dangers is vital for the wellbeing of the eyes.
Some eye injuries may only cause short term irritation whereas others may lead to permanent vision loss. Understanding the preventative measures for eye injuries and knowing when to seek medical attention may prove to be crucial.
What are the common causes of eye injuries?
Eye injuries often occur due to flying particles, chemical splash, objects with sharp edges, and direct impact. Such injuries are frequent in both children and adults.
The most common causes of mechanical eye injury include –
• Pieces of dust, wood, metal during gardening, and working with various tools;
• Splashes of chemicals during cleaning;
• Paints, toys, pencils, sharp objects;
• Sports equipment and balls.
A tiny fragment of dust can damage the cornea, transparent membrane on the front of the eye. In addition, any sharp object can inflict a wound and damage the eyeball. Besides, fragments flying at high speed can cause significant damage to the eye.
How can you prevent eye injuries in children?
Preventing eye injuries in children involves supervision, safe storage, and age-appropriate play.
Explain safety guidelines to your child using terms they can relate to and understand, especially when a child is not familiar with a certain type of activity.
The following examples will help protect your child’s eyes:
• Make sure your child plays with age-appropriate toys.
• Remind them never to aim projectile toys towards another person’s face.
• Supervise activities that involve sharp objects like scissors or pencils.
• Make sure there are not any chemical or cleaning supplies within your child’s reach.
• Keep children away from lawn mowers, power drills, and other power tools.
Make sure your child wears eye protection during any sport, but know that regular glasses are not considered protective eyewear. In addition, encourage your child to tell you if they experience any pain or change in vision after an eye injury or trauma.
How can adults prevent eye injuries at home and work?
Adults should consider wearing eye protection while performing tasks around the home that could see them exposed to flying debris. Even something as simple as a chore can turn into an emergency.
Choose to wear appropriate safety glasses or goggles when using lawnmowers, cutting branches, drilling, or working with power tools. Always follow the proper safety manual of any chemical you are using in your home or business.
When at work, always adhere to proper safety regulations, utilise machine guards, and report any faulty machinery. Never allow others to walk by a work site as flying debris can often travel far and hit an innocent by-stander.
What protective eyewear should you choose?
Choose the type of protective eyewear that provides the most protection against the hazard, fits comfortably and meets the applicable standards.
Safety glasses with side protection may be suitable for hazards such as flying particles. However, if you have any chance of coming in contact with chemicals, splash-proof goggles and some form of face protection should also be considered, particularly if the chemical is likely to damage the material of the chosen eyewear.
Eyewear should be inspected regularly for damage and should not be used if there is any sign of damage. Regular glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses offer very little protection against injury at work. If you wear glasses, talk to your employer about safety glasses that incorporate your prescription.
What should you do immediately after an eye injury?
- The first aid techniques are determined by the type of damage. Avoid rubbing the affected area and trying to take out a foreign object.
- If the eye is irritated by foreign particles or grit, it can be rinsed with clean water or sterile saline. Seek assessment if discomfort persists, if you suspect the particle inside the eye, or the vision changes.
- In case of a chemical splash, immediately rinse for at least 20 minutes cool running water. The eyelids need to be held open, and the head tilted sideways. It is important to call for an ambulance while rinsing.
- Meanwhile, if the eye has a foreign body or penetration, do not try to remove it. Avoid rinsing or pressing the area. Call an ambulance and seek emergency care.
When does an eye injury need urgent medical attention?
Seek immediate care for blurred vision, worsening ache, bleeding or light sensitivity after an injury.
An injury caused by high-speed particles such as drilling, cutting or grinding should be checked by a medical professional even if it appears minor. Chemical exposure and penetration injuries require emergency treatment too. Do not wait for symptoms to subside or for a convenience appointment.
iSight Specialists provides optometry care for children and adults. Contact iSight Specialists on 08 7089 8355 to discuss a non-emergency concern. For a serious eye injury, seek emergency care rather than waiting for a clinic appointment.
