What causes Eye Trauma?
Ocular trauma occurs because of an injury to the eye. Some injuries can be minor, and others can be medical emergencies that cause serious permanent damage and vision loss.
Ocular (eye) trauma can be grouped into 2 main types of injuries:
- Non-penetrating injury
– bruising of eyelid tissues
– scratch/ abrasion to surface of the eye
– chemical injury
– burn from UV light
- Penetrating injury to the eyelids/ eyeball/ eye muscles and nerves/ bony orbits
– Sharp object or projectile object eg. stab wound with a knife
– Rupture due to a direct blow to the eye or polytrauma eg. motor vehicle accident or serious fall
The symptoms of your eye trauma will vary depending on the type of trauma you have suffered and the severity of your injury. If you have suffered any form eye trauma, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Ocular Trauma Treatment & Surgery
Some eye injuries can be treated medically with eye drops, anti-inflammatories, cold compresses, and regular follow up
More serious penetrating injuries need urgent surgical repair to restore the integrity of the globe
Sometimes further surgeries are required should a patient develop a traumatic cataract, retinal detachment, glaucoma to name a few
Prevention of Ocular trauma
- Always wear protective eyewear or goggles when working with power tools and/or chemicals and UV light/grinding
- Protect eyes during high-risk sports
- Eliminate hazards – store chemicals safely and protect your eyes when using cleaning or fumigation products
- Don’t engage in reckless behaviour – drunk driving etc.
Ophthalmologist in Cape Town
Dr Vayanos is a general Ophthalmologist in full-time private practice at the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in the centre of Cape Town, South Africa. Having obtained her training and specialisation in South Africa where the volume of trauma is high, she has gained a lot of experience in the medical and surgical treatment of ocular trauma. Her practice is equipped with the latest technology allowing her to give you personalised, quality, and high-standard eye care and surgical precision.
Have any questions on ocular trauma? We are here to help. If you do not find your answer below, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide it.
Common types of eye injuries include blows to the eye, such as those caused by a fist, elbow, or ball. Foreign bodies, such as small pieces of grit, wood, or metal, can also enter the eye. Chemical burns from household cleaning products and radiation.
An eye injury can result in eye pain and vision loss, which may be either temporary or permanent. It is essential to contact an eye care specialist immediately if you sustain an eye injury. Although some eye injuries can be managed at home, others require urgent medical attention.
All forms of ocular trauma can potentially elevate intraocular pressure (IOP) in the affected eye through various mechanisms. Without proper treatment, this increased pressure can cause irreversible glaucomatous damage to the optic nerve, potentially resulting in permanent vision loss.
Alterations in pupil size or shape, or the presence of pupils with unequal sizes. Intense pain in the eyeball. A sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), are all signs of eye trauma.
Ocular injuries can be assessed through computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both of which are resource-intensive and may necessitate patient cooperation. Additionally, slit lamp biomicroscopy and comprehensive ophthalmologic examination are utilised for diagnostic purposes.
The complications resulting from eye trauma can differ depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the location and depth of the damage. These can include a corneal or conjunctival tear, corneal scarring or infiltrates, anterior chamber exudates and fibrinous membrane.
Apply cool compresses gently to alleviate pain and swelling, and refrain from using frozen food bags to prevent bacterial eye infections. It is important not to apply pressure to the eyes. If there is darkening of vision, severe pain, or visual disturbances, seek immediate medical attention.
A blow to the eye can fracture the bones of the eye socket, sinuses, or nose. These fractures may lead to injuries to the eye, including bleeding and damage. Additionally, such trauma can harm muscles, blood vessels, or nerves in the area.