Eye injuries

When an eye injury occurs, the accident victim should visit the nearest eye clinic or ophthalmologist immediately. The doctors will then determine what measures to take based on the cause of the injury:

The doctors will then determine what measures to take based on the cause of the injury:

Foreign body (deeply lodged)
The most common injury is caused by a foreign body that has pierced the eye or become embedded in it. Such foreign bodies might be splinters of metal, wood or stone. These are often traveling at relatively high speeds when they penetrate the cornea, which can then completely close over them again. Even if the accident victim does not immediately notice a change, it is advisable that he or she visit a doctor. With the help of x-rays or a split-lamp examination, the doctor will determine whether a foreign body is in the eye and, if so, its location.

The ophthalmologist will remove the splinter with a minor operation on the cornea. The tissue of the cornea is relative “good-natured” and heals well after such an injury and operation. If the presence of a foreign body is not recognized immediately, however, the eye can become infected, thus posing a risk to visual acuity.

Impact injuries

Contusions caused by balls (e.g., those used in racketball games) or being hit with a fist or stick can cause injuries of varying severity in all areas of the eye. A swelling of the lids often looks more dangerous than it really is and the swelling in these protective parts of the eye can be reduced relatively quickly through cooling. If visual acuity is impaired (seeing double, etc.), the accident victim should visit an ophthalmologist immediately.

Acid burns

Acid burns occur repeatedly in the chemical industry and in the building trade. Chemicals used for cleaning can also cause acid burns at home.

Rinsing the eye out is an important step that should be taken immediately. This is best performed with clear, clean water. Avoid getting the acid solution or the rinsing solution in the other eye (the other eye could be burned as well). If running water is not available, mineral water, tea, even soft drinks can be used. Milk or milk products are not suitable as they can make the eye sticky.

The rinsing procedure should be continued on the way to the ophthalmological emergency service (e.g., from a bottle).

Burns

Burn injuries are especially dangerous for the eyes. They are often caused by hot liquids. The eyes should be immediately rinsed with a cold liquid – clean water is ideal, but other, similar drinks will do. If available, a sterile bandage should be used to bind the eyes and damp, clean cloths can be carefully pressed on the affected eye.

Minor injuries

Grains of sand and other small particles often get into the eyes, which usually help themselves by producing tears. If tears are not sufficient, however, normal, clean water can be used to heighten the cleansing effect.

If the foreign body cannot be removed with normal rinsing, a clean cloth can be used to try and push the foreign body to the rim of the lid and then out of the eye. Redness and irritation should decrease after a few hours. If this does not occur, a trip to the ophthalmologist is in order. He or she will then examine the eye for other foreign bodies or injuries.

The cornea can often be injured in the course of daily life as well. Such injuries can occur through scratching, applying make up or contact lenses slipping out of place.

The pain, which is sometimes intense, can be eased by rinsing with liquid. The eyes should be relaxed, for example by laying a sterile cloth on them while closed.

After several hours, the pain eases and the cornea regenerates completely. If the pain or the feeling that a foreign body is lodged in the eye returns, the patient should visit an ophthalmologist. Using a slit lamp, he or she will then be able to detect and remove any small splinters or other foreign particles in the eye.