The eye is one of the sensitive and necessary organs for protection in the human body. Eye trauma is among health issues that can develop due to external factors, potentially affecting the structure of the eye and, in some cases, leading to permanent vision loss. Such injuries can occur across all age groups, from children to adults. Eye trauma often results from unexpected accidents and may require urgent intervention. These situations are critically important for eye health, as symptoms like pain, blurred vision, and redness are indicators of eye trauma.
What Causes Eye Trauma?
Anyone can be at risk of eye trauma; however, young athletes and children may be more frequently exposed to such injuries. Certain contact sports and specific professional groups also carry high risk regarding eye trauma. Eye trauma can result from direct impact to the tissues surrounding the eye or the eye itself. These types of injuries can arise from the following causes:
-
Physical blows: Blows to the eye during sports, play, or accidents can lead to trauma. Contact with objects like balls, elbows, or hard items can cause bruising, bleeding, or significant damage to the eye.
-
Contact with foreign objects: Dust, metal shavings, or glass fragments entering the eye can damage the cornea and conjunctiva.
-
Chemical substances: Contact with cleaning products containing acids or bases, industrial chemicals, or cosmetics can result in chemical eye trauma.
-
Burns and heat sources: Splashing of extremely hot liquids, steam, flames, or radiation can cause burns on the eye surface.
-
Piercing and cutting objects: Sharp items like needles, scissors, or glass coming into contact with the eye can lead to open eye injuries.
-
Changes in air pressure: Sudden pressure changes encountered in certain occupational fields can result in trauma to intraocular structures.
It is known that preventable causes play a significant role in the occurrence of eye trauma. Therefore, awareness of protective measures and caution in risky areas can be effective in reducing possible eye injuries.
What are the Symptoms of Eye Trauma?
The symptoms of eye trauma may vary depending on the severity and type of the trauma. Generally, the following findings can be observed:
-
Pain, burning, or a stinging sensation in the eye
-
Redness and bloodshot appearance
-
Bruising or swelling of the eyelid
-
Blurred vision or temporary vision loss
-
Double vision or light flashes
-
Restricted eye movements
-
Intraocular bleeding
-
Changes in the shape or size of the pupil
These symptoms can provide an indication of the urgency of the trauma. As the severity of the symptoms increases, the risk to eye health may also increase.
What are the Types of Eye Trauma?
Eye trauma can be classified based on how it affects the eye and the tissue in which damage occurs. Each type of trauma may manifest with different symptoms and some may be serious enough to require urgent intervention. Specific types of eye trauma include:
Closed Eye Trauma
This type of trauma does not involve an open wound on the outer surface of the eyeball, but damage may occur to the internal structures. It can result from an impact with a hard object. Swelling, bruising, internal bleeding, and damage to the retina or lens may occur.
Open Eye Trauma
Characterized by tearing, penetration, or laceration of eye structures. This type of trauma typically occurs after contact with sharp or piercing objects.
Chemical Eye Trauma
Chemical trauma occurs from contact with acids, bases, or other irritating chemical substances. Cleaning products, disinfectants, fertilizers, or industrial chemicals are common causes. Burning, pain, redness, and vision loss may be observed in the eye.
Thermal Eye Trauma
It can occur from exposure to extremely hot liquids, steam, flames, or molten metal. It is especially seen in welding jobs, use of ovens, or contact with explosive materials. Burns on eyelids, corneal damage, and drying of the eye surface may develop.
Foreign Body in the Eye
Occurs when small objects such as dust, sand, metal particles, or glass fragments enter the eye. The foreign body may adhere to the cornea or conjunctiva surface or progress into the eye. It can lead to complaints such as a stinging sensation, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Retina and Cornea Trauma
Trauma can also cause damage to the internal structures of the eye. Retinal detachment, macular damage, or corneal epithelial injury can lead to severe vision loss.
How is First Aid Administered in Eye Injuries?
Quick and correct initial intervention in cases of eye trauma can help prevent further damage to eye tissues. First aid practices vary depending on the type of trauma but some general rules apply in all cases:
-
The eye should not be rubbed and no pressure should be applied to it. These actions can lead to further damage to injured tissues.
-
If there is a foreign body, attempts to remove it should not be made. If the object is embedded in the surface or beneath the eyelid of the eye, no intervention should be performed.
-
In the event of chemical contact, the eye should be rinsed thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water. Washing should continue for 15-20 minutes.
-
If hot liquid or steam contacts the eye, the affected area should be cooled with cold water, the eyelids should remain closed, and no pressure should be applied to the area.
-
The eye should be covered with a clean and sterile cloth to protect it from external factors and should be kept as still as possible.
-
If contact lenses are present, especially in the case of chemical exposure, expert assistance should be sought before removal.
Responding to Eye Trauma in Children
Eye trauma in children frequently occurs during play, when in contact with hard toys, or due to lack of attention. A sensitive approach should be followed in the intervention process based on the child's age and reactions:
-
If a child rubs their eye, this should be prevented and they should be calmed. Rubbing increases the risk of corneal abrasions.
-
If a foreign body is suspected, the child's eyelids should be gently opened, and if the object is visible, it should not touch the eye while rinsing.
-
In case of chemical contact, the eye should be washed with plenty of water and if the child has difficulty keeping the eye open, washing in the form of drops can be applied.
-
If symptoms such as crying, inability to open the eye, or light aversion are present, the severity of the trauma should be considered during response.
-
If there is an open wound or bleeding, no pressure should be applied and the eye should not be moved. A gentle closure of the eyelid can provide sterile protection.
Often, children cannot clearly express the trauma they are experiencing. Thus, careful observation and correct initial steps are important for eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vision loss occur immediately after experiencing an eye trauma?
No, some eye traumas might not result in vision loss. However, if the retina and optic nerve are affected, the complaint can develop within a few hours.
Is redness and pain in the eye normal after being hit?
Redness, tearing, and mild pain in the eye can commonly occur with superficial traumas. However, if the pain is severe, vision is affected, or there is a change in pupil shape, this could be a sign of a serious injury.
Does bruising around the eye always indicate a serious condition?
Bruising around the eye is a typical indicator of soft tissue trauma and doesn’t always signify serious internal damage. However, if there is accompanying vision disturbance or double vision, an assessment may be necessary.
What does it mean if there is blurred vision immediately after the trauma?
Blurred vision might indicate involvement of the cornea, lens, or retina. This suggests that intraocular tissues might be affected.