Every year, over 2 million people experience ocular trauma. The most common eye injuries are open wounds, foreign objects in the eye, burns, and contusions.
Although ocular trauma is the second leading cause of visual impairment after cataracts, more than 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable.
Some injuries from ocular trauma can lead to permanent blindness. Understanding what eye trauma is and how to treat it can go a long way in making sure you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Keep reading to learn more about ocular trauma!
What is Ocular Trauma?
Trauma to the eye occurs as a result of abrupt force from some kind of impact. A car accident, sport-related injuries, being punched, or falling can all cause ocular trauma.
Eye trauma can range from mild to vision-threatening, and some of the serious forms of ocular trauma include:
Retrobulbar Hematoma
Ocular trauma can damage the arteries in your eyes, causing considerable bleeding. This increases your eye pressure and leads to engorged vessels.
This is a condition that can result in total blindness, making prompt treatment vital. Symptoms of retrobulbar hematoma include a tight feeling in the eyelids, pain, and vision loss.
Globe Rupture
An impact from a force that is severe enough can rupture the globe of your eye. Usually, a globe rupture is due to a penetrating injury.
This kind of trauma to the eye is an emergency that requires urgent treatment to save your eyesight. Otherwise, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
The symptoms of a globe rupture are pain, eye deformity, and vision loss.
Retinal Detachment
Eye trauma can be significant enough to cause your retina to detach. A retinal detachment can make you go blind.
Symptoms of a detached retina are flashes of light and pain. If you’ve had a blow to the eye and suspect your retina is detached, it’s critical to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eye. You need to get medical help as soon as possible.
Treatment for Ocular Trauma
Eye trauma treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. It’s advisable to see an ophthalmologist for assessment of any eye trauma.
It is also important to note that prevention is the first line of defense against eye trauma. You can avoid ocular trauma by ensuring you use proper eye protection when taking part in activities that put your eyes at risk for injuries.
Most people with work-related ocular trauma and injuries from playing sports, house cleaning, doing home repairs, and cooking, say they did not use the appropriate protective eyewear. This means taking the necessary precautions will help prevent ocular trauma.
If you have a minor injury like a black eye, apply cold compresses to the affected part to bring down the swelling and allow your injury to heal quicker. Never attempt to remove, touch, or rub an object in the eye.
Instead, hold a paper cup around your eye to act as a protective shield and seek medical attention immediately. All chemical injuries need immediate medical care.
Leading Ocular Trauma Specialists
Joshi Eye Institute is a leading practice for top-of-the-line care and treatment for severe eye injury. Our board-certified, highly skilled ophthalmologists can treat any kind of ocular trauma.
This is a level of expertise not accessible in urgent care centers or emergency rooms. Concerned about the health of your eyes? Schedule an appointment at Joshi Eye Institute in Boynton Beach, FL, now!
