Protecting your eyes from injury is essential as the soft tissues around and inside the eye need care. Eye injuries can result from various causes. They can result from a blow to the eye, a cut or scratch, an object in the eye, and more. Fortunately, you can prevent them by taking mindful measures.

Eye Injury From a Blow to the Eye

A blow to the eye with a hard object like a baseball, rock, or fist can severely damage the eye, eyelids, and muscles or bones surrounding the eye. Mild injuries result in swollen eyelids or black eyes, while severe cases may involve internal bleeding of the eye. When the bones around the eye break, the muscles can become trapped, requiring possible surgery.

Eye Injury From Scratches

Scratches on the cornea, the surface of your eye, can result from a stick, finger, or other objects accidentally getting into the eye. Symptoms of a scratch include blurred vision, light sensitivity, pain, redness, and excess tears. While small scratches resolve themselves, severe ones can result in long-term vision concerns. Seek medical assistance if the scratch is deep.

Eye Injury From Debris and Other Compounds

Getting grains of sand, wood chips, metal shavings, or glass slivers in your eye can be very uncomfortable. Sharp objects in your eye may scratch or damage the cornea. It may feel like something is stuck in your eye. 

While soap, shampoo, or makeup can burn a little, they are not as harmful as chemicals like oven or drain cleaners and fertilizers, which can cause serious burns and even blindness. Acids such as bleach and swimming pool chemicals can also cause injury. Immediately flush your eyes with water and go to your eye doctor for treatment.

Eye Injury UV Rays

When your eyes are exposed to the sun's UV rays, they can get injured. An example is sunburn of the eye, known as photokeratitis. This can cause temporary blindness and a sensation similar to having sand in your eyes. To prevent this, wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.

Prevent Eye Injuries

Taking proactive measures is crucial in preventing eye injuries. For sports such as squash and racquetball, it is essential to use eye guards, whereas helmets with a shield should be worn when playing baseball or football.

To prevent eye injuries while performing lawn work, remove small rocks and debris from the area before mowing. Additionally, it is crucial to inspect and fix any damaged tools or equipment that could break while in use. 

It is important to use machine guards and work screens while working with equipment to prevent flying debris from causing eye injuries. Remember, prevention is always better than cure for eye injuries.

Conclusion

Wear sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of the sun's radiation when going outside. It helps prevent eye damage from ultraviolet rays. Your eyes are your window to the world. Protecting them should be your topmost priority. 

For more on eye injuries and how to prevent them, visit Loman Eye Care at our Carmel, Indiana, office. Call (317) 844-7474 to schedule an appointment today.