Written by: Jack Abrams, MD
I often see patients with eye injuries, either at my clinic or in the hospitals where I work. Fortunately, most of them aren’t serious and can be treated with cleaning, drops, and a follow-up appointment a little while later to make sure everything is OK. We do see a few serious issues, though, from time to time, and wanted to share a few tips on what to do if your eye suffers trauma.
First of all, when people have some sort of eye trauma, their initial impulse seems to be to find some water, rinse the eye, and let it be. This may help with certain minor instances, such as a small poke from glasses, perhaps, or having some dust blow into your eye from the desert winds in Southern Nevada. However, a little water might not help in quite a few circumstances. Here are a few examples where you may need to come see me – or visit your emergency room – to have a closer look at your eye:
- A cut or torn eyelid
- A scratch on your eye that’s very painful
- Difficulty in movement of an eye
- Blood visible in the white of your eye
- Foreign matter in your eye that won’t wash out
- Something that feels stuck in your eyelid
- Changes in your pupils (either the shape or the size)
- Pain or issues with vision
- An eye that protrudes
The list above serves as a guide for general eye safety and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or eye injury. When faced with any issues of concern, again, we urge you not to think that a little water and time will help with any problem you face and to take the issue very seriously. Taking care of your eyes is an important responsibility, and we urge people who have these issues to resist the urge to ‘tough it out’ and get the help they need. Small problems left untreated can quickly turn into big ones with long-lasting implications.
Conclusion
In summary, managing eye injuries promptly and effectively is crucial to preventing long-term damage. Common misconceptions include the belief that rinsing with water is sufficient for all eye injuries and that minor symptoms can be ignored. While minor irritations might be resolved with simple rinsing, more serious symptoms—like cuts, persistent pain, or vision changes—require professional medical attention.
Remember, your eyes are vital, and any injury should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. If you experience any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Prioritizing eye health can prevent small issues from becoming significant problems. For any questions or concerns, feel free to schedule an exam online or contact us at 702-304-9494. We’re here to assist you in maintaining your eye health.