Eye injuries come in many shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of severity. Some may necessitate emergency treatment and immediate care by an eye care practitioner, while others can be taken care of at home. Read these guidelines for common eye injuries, to figure out the next move following an accident. Remember that common sense preventive protections such as using protective goggles or glasses may be the smartest way to keep your eyes healthy.
One injury that should be treated seriously is a scratched eye. It can cause serious damage in a short amount of time and potentially end in blindness. Abrasions are commonly caused by a poke in the eye, or rubbing the eye when there is sand in it. Since a scratch can open your eye to bacterial infection it's crucial to visit your optometrist or an emergency room. The best care for a corneal abrasion is to cover it loosely and to see your optometrist right away to ensure it is isn't infected. Rubbing the eye will only cause greater damage and fully covering the eye provides the perfect environment for bacteria.
Chemical exposure is another critical type of eye injury. It can be scary to get sprayed in the eye by an unknown substance. The first thing to figure out is what chemical touched your eye. A chemical's basic composition is the most essential factor. While acids can result in considerable redness and pain, they can be rinsed out pretty quickly. However, base or alkali chemicals can be much more severe even though they don't appear to be since they don't cause as much immediate stinging or redness as acids.
While no one ever wants to anticipate an eye injury, it's suggested to be prepared with how to respond in such situations. By being prepared you can feel confident that you'll be ready to deal with most typical eye problems. Of course, extra safety precautions can help prevent this type of injuries altogether so consult with your optometrist about preventative eye care options!