Eye Injuries

Introduction

Source: NHS

In this topic (6)

Eye injuries can occur in many settings, including at home, at work or when playing sports.

Common types of eye injury include:

  • blows to the eye such as being hit by a fist, elbow or ball
  • scratches and abrasions such as from fingernails or tree branches
  • foreign bodies such as small pieces of grit, wood or metal getting in the eye
  • penetrating or cutting injuries such as cuts from glass or projectiles flung from tools, especially when hammering or using power tools
  • chemical burns such as exposure to household cleaning products
  • radiation exposure such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sun lamps

Wearing contact lenses incorrectly can also injure your eyes, particularly if they're dirty, don't fit properly or have been worn for too long.

Articles for Eye Injuries

Flushing your eye

If you have loose particles in your eye or your eye has been exposed to chemicals, flush it out with an eyewash or plenty of clean water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, reme

Introduction

Read about treating and preventing common types of eye injuries, and find out when you should seek immediate medical advice.

Preventing eye injuries

Many eye injuries are preventable if youtake appropriate safety precautionsduring leisure activities or workfor example, wearing eye protection when hammeringmetal and using power tools. You should a

Seeing a doctor

If you have a serious eye injury, you'll usually be seen by an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist or a specialist eye nurse. You'll be asked how the injury happened, your vision and eye movemen

What to do

Minor irritation or injury to the front of the eye usually doesn't require medical treatment and should clear up within24 hours. If you experience discomfort, painkillerssuch as paracetamol or Paink

Whento seek immediate medical advice

You should go immediately to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E)department if you have: persistent or severe eye pain foreign bodies that can't be washed out decreased or double vision