Common Types of Eye Injuries: What You Need to Know

Eye injuries are more common than many people realize, and they can range from minor irritations to severe damage that could result in vision loss. Whether caused by accidents at home, work, or during recreational activities, eye injuries should be treated promptly to avoid long-term complications. Recognizing the common types of eye injuries and knowing how to address them is crucial in maintaining eye health. At Kings Highway Vision Center of Brooklyn, NY, we prioritize educating our patients about eye health and providing comprehensive care when injuries occur.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the most frequent types of eye injuries, their symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.

1. Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye)

A corneal abrasion is one of the most common eye injuries, and it occurs when the outer layer of the cornea (the clear, protective surface of the eye) is scratched or scraped. This can happen due to dirt, sand, or small particles coming into contact with the eye, or from accidentally rubbing the eye when there is debris present.

Symptoms:

• Pain and discomfort
• Sensitivity to light
• A feeling of something being in the eye
• Redness
• Blurred vision

Treatment: Corneal abrasions usually heal within a few days with proper care. Treatment may involve using antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and lubricating drops to ease discomfort. Avoid rubbing the eye and wearing contact lenses until the abrasion is fully healed.

Prevention: To prevent corneal abrasions, wear protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk to the eyes, such as sports or working with hazardous materials.

2. Chemical Burns

Chemical eye injuries can occur when harmful substances come into contact with the eyes. These injuries are particularly common in industrial settings or at home when handling cleaning products or chemicals. The severity of a chemical burn depends on the substance involved, with alkalis (such as lye or ammonia) being more damaging than acids.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain and burning sensation
• Redness and swelling
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Tearing and inability to open the eye

Treatment: Immediate action is crucial. If you suspect a chemical burn, rinse the eye with clean water or saline solution for at least 15-20 minutes and seek emergency medical care. Do not attempt to neutralize the chemical with other substances.

Prevention: Always wear safety goggles when handling chemicals, and store household cleaners in safe, secure locations to avoid accidental exposure.

3. Foreign Object in the Eye

Small particles like dust, dirt, or metal shavings can easily enter the eye, causing irritation and potential damage. While some foreign objects may be easily flushed out with tears or water, others might embed themselves in the eye and require professional removal.

Symptoms:

• A sensation of something being in the eye
• Tearing and blinking
• Redness and irritation
• Difficulty keeping the eye open

Treatment: If the foreign object does not wash out on its own, do not try to remove it yourself, especially if it is embedded in the eye. Seek immediate care from an optometrist. They may use special tools to remove the object and prescribe antibiotic drops to prevent infection.

Prevention: Wearing protective eyewear during activities such as construction work, yard maintenance, or metalworking can significantly reduce the risk of foreign objects entering the eye.

4. Hyphema (Bleeding in the Eye)

A hyphema occurs when blood collects in the front chamber of the eye, typically caused by trauma or a blow to the eye. Hyphema is a serious condition that can result in vision loss if not treated promptly, as the blood can block vision and increase intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma.

Symptoms:

• Visible blood in the eye
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Eye pain and sensitivity to light
• Pressure in the eye

Treatment: Hyphema requires immediate medical attention. Treatment often includes bed rest with the head elevated, eye drops to reduce inflammation and intraocular pressure, and in some cases, surgery to remove the blood.

Prevention: Wearing protective eyewear during high-risk activities such as contact sports or while working in environments with a risk of impact injury is essential to preventing hyphema.

5. Orbital Fracture

An orbital fracture occurs when one or more bones around the eye are broken, usually due to trauma such as a car accident, fall, or sports injury. This type of injury can affect the function of the eye and surrounding muscles.

Symptoms:

• Pain, bruising, and swelling around the eye
• Double vision or blurred vision
• Difficulty moving the eye
• Sunken eye appearance

Treatment: Orbital fractures require prompt evaluation by a specialist. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may involve surgery to repair the bone and ensure the proper function of the eye and surrounding structures.

Prevention: Wearing helmets and face shields during high-impact activities can reduce the risk of an orbital fracture.

6. Punctured Eye

A puncture wound to the eye is a severe injury that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. This type of injury can occur from sharp objects like nails, knives, or glass.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain and eye bleeding
• Loss of vision or visual disturbances
• Blood in the clear part of the eye
• Visible cut or puncture wound

Treatment: Seek emergency medical care immediately if the eye is punctured. Do not attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye or apply pressure. Surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.

Prevention: Avoid using sharp objects near the face, and always wear protective eyewear when working with tools or in environments where sharp debris could be present.

7. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when small blood vessels under the conjunctiva (the clear surface of the eye) break, causing blood to pool on the white part of the eye. This injury often looks alarming but is usually harmless.

Symptoms:

• A bright red or dark spot on the white of the eye
• No pain or discomfort
• No changes in vision

Treatment: Subconjunctival hemorrhages typically heal on their own without treatment within one to two weeks. Lubricating eye drops can help soothe any minor irritation.

Prevention: While this condition is often caused by straining, coughing, or sneezing, avoiding unnecessary pressure on the eye and maintaining good health can minimize the risk.

8. Ultraviolet (UV) Damage

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can damage the surface of the eye, leading to a condition known as photokeratitis or “sunburn of the eye.” UV damage is particularly common among people who spend long hours outdoors without adequate eye protection.

Symptoms:

• Pain and discomfort in the eyes
• Redness and tearing
• Blurred vision or temporary vision loss
• Sensitivity to light

Treatment: Resting the eyes, using cold compresses, and applying lubricating eye drops can help relieve symptoms. In severe cases, prescription eye drops may be needed.

Prevention: Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is the best way to protect your eyes from UV damage. If you’re spending time outdoors, especially near reflective surfaces like water or snow, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection.

9. Blunt Trauma

Blunt trauma to the eye can occur from a direct hit by a ball, fist, or another object. This type of injury can cause damage to various structures of the eye, including the cornea, retina, and optic nerve.

Symptoms:

• Eye pain and redness
• Blurred vision or vision loss
• Swelling and bruising around the eye
• Difficulty moving the eye

Treatment: Blunt trauma requires immediate medical attention to assess the extent of the damage. Treatment may include ice packs to reduce swelling, eye drops, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Prevention: Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other high-risk activities is critical for preventing blunt trauma injuries.

Conclusion

Eye injuries can happen in an instant, but their effects can last a lifetime if not treated properly. Understanding the common types of eye injuries and how to prevent them is essential to preserving your vision. At Kings Highway Vision Center of Brooklyn, NY, our team is committed to providing expert care and guidance for all your eye health needs. If you experience an eye injury, don’t hesitate to contact our team for prompt and professional care.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with our Brooklyn optometrists, please contact Kings Highway Vision Center today. Your vision and comfort are our priority, ensuring a brighter, headache-free tomorrow.  Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Appointment or Call Us at (718) 376-2020.