Potential risks of eye injuries

The Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has ever pointed out that over 850,000 Americans suffer from various eye injuries every year, during home and work activities and outdoor sports. These accidents always lead to a lifelong regret. It is reasonable because an injured person can see things clearly before the accident but his or her vision may be partially or even profoundly lost. Driving and reading may become impossible, not to say an ugly appearance.

Fours effects of eye injury

Cases of eye injury can differ considerably in severity. In other words, there are different effects of eye injury. In general, there are four levels of severity. The first one is closed globe injury or non-penetrating trauma, which does not involve eye globe damage. The second effect is penetrating trauma which disrupt the globe integrity via a full-thickness entry would. The third form is perforating trauma in which the globe integrity is disrupted in two places. The last one is called blowout fracture of the orbit which is usually caused by fist or ball injury.

A classification of eye injury risks

PBA has classified potential risks of eye injuries. At home, those dangerous causes of eye injuries include household cleaner, chemicals, eyelash curlers, mascara brushes, fingernails, lawn tools, air-blown and wind-blown particles, bungee cords, champagne corks, battery acid, toys with hard edges and the like. At work, potential risks can be flying objects, dust, wood, sand, screwdrivers, wrenches, gasoline, oil, solvents, acids, welding arcs and so forth. During sports, it is likely to suffer blunt trauma. A variety of factors are involved, such as a ball, a puck, a stick, bat or racquet, sand, dirt, paintballs, fireworks etc.

First aid immediately after an eye injury

The best way to avoid these risky sources during dangerous activities is to wear safety glasses. And you should also observe other safety rules. Once an eye injury happens, you should contact an eye care practitioner at once for advice. The doctor will suggest proper actions. For chemicals-caused problems, you will be asked to flush your eyes with water or saline solution for several minutes and rinse out the chemicals. If the injury is caused by contact lenses, you should tell your doctor the detailed condition. He will tell you whether it is necessary to remove the lenses. If necessary, you should go to the hospital after first-hand self treatment.