There are many types of eye accidents that can take place, some more serious than others. Some may require emergency action and immediate care by an eye care practitioner, while others can be dealt with at home. Follow these guidelines for routine eye injuries, to plan out the next move following an eye emergency. Don't forget that common sense preventive precautions including wearing safety goggles or glasses may be your best approach to avoiding eye problems altogether.
A corneal abrasion or scratched eye is on the more serious end of the spectrum. It can lead to serious damage very quickly and potentially result in vision loss. Scratches are commonly the result of a poke in the eye, or rubbing the eye when there is a particle of dust or sand in it. Because a scratch can make your eye susceptible to bacterial infection it's very important to see your eye care practitioner or an urgent care office. The best advice for a corneal abrasion is to keep it loosely closed and to see your optician immediately to make sure it is isn't infected. Rubbing the eye will only make it worse and fully covering the eye provides the ideal environment for bacteria.
Being aware of what to do if you have been splashed in the eye by a chemical is extremely important. First, you need to rinse your eye out by putting your face beneath a strong flow of lukewarm water for approximately 15 minutes. Next contact your optometrist or an emergency room to see what they recommend for such injuries. Be sure to tell the doctor exactly what chemical entered your eye and what you've done. If your eye is extremely red or blurry, go immediately to your eye care practitioner or an urgent care office after rinsing it with water. Exposure to chemicals in the eye can cause a variety of injuries, from minimal irritation to severe harm and potentially vision loss.
Though no one ever wants to think about a serious eye injury, it's suggested to have a plan for how to respond in potentially hazardous circumstances. By being prepared you can feel confident that you'll know how to face most routine eye injuries. Don't forget, extra safety measures can help you avoid these injuries altogether so consult with your eye care practitioner about preventative eye care !
