Eye Injury

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Injury to the eye, eyelid, or area around the eye

General Information

• Vision and Eye Injuries: It is important to test vision in both eyes. If there has been no damage to the vision, then most likely there is no serious injury to the eyeball. Test vision at home by covering each eye in turn and looking at a near object and then a distant object. Is the vision blurred in comparison to normal?
• Black Eye: Bruising and purple discoloration of the eyelids and upper cheek is referred to as a "black eye." Usually it is the result of a direct blow to this area (e.g., a punch). It gets worse for the first couple of days. It usually goes away in 2-3 weeks.
• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This is the medical term for a flame-shaped bruise of the white area of the eyeball, which sometimes occurs after a direct blow to the eye. It usually goes away in 2-3 weeks.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Chemical splashed in eye, read EYE, CHEMICAL IN
• Foreign body present, read EYE, FOREIGN BODY IN
• HEAD INJURY is the main concern

FIRST AID Advice for Bleeding:

• Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.
• Try to avoid pressure on the eyeball.

FIRST AID Advice for Penetrating Object: If penetrating object still in place, don't remove it (Reason: removal could cause bleeding or more damage).

FIRST AID Advice for Shock: Lie down with feet elevated.

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Care at Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR INJURIES OF THE EYE

1. Treatment of Superficial Cuts and Scrapes (abrasions) to Eyelid or Area around Eye:
   • Apply direct pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes (Protect the eye with a clean cloth).
   • Apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
2. Treatment of Swelling or Bruise with Intact Skin:
   • Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes each hour for 4 consecutive hours.
   • 48 hours after the injury, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times each day to help reabsorb the blood.
3. Treatment of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (flame-shaped bruise of the white area of eyeball): No specific treatment is required. It usually goes away in 2-3 weeks.
4. Pain Medicines:
   • For pain relief, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.
   • Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol):
     • Take 650 mg by mouth every 4-6 hours. Each Regular Strength Tylenol pill has 325 mg of acetaminophen.
     • Another choice is to take 1,000 mg every 8 hours. Each Extra Strength Tylenol pill has 500 mg of acetaminophen.
     • The most you should take each day is 3,000 mg.

   • Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil):

     • Take 400 mg by mouth every 6 hours

     • Another choice is to take or 600 mg by mouth every 8 hours.

     • Use the lowest amount that makes your pain feel better.

   • Naproxen (e.g., Aleve)

     • Take 250-500 mg by mouth every 12 hours.

     • Use the lowest amount that makes your pain feel better.

   • Extra Notes

     • Acetaminophen is thought to be safer than ibuprofen or naproxen in people over 65 years old. Acetaminophen is in many OTC and prescription medicines. It might be in more than one medicine that you are taking. You need to be careful and not take an overdose. An overdose can hurt the liver.

     • Before taking any medicine, read all the instructions on the package.

5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pain becomes severe
   • Pain does not improve after 3 days
   • Changes in vision
   • You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Photo Example

Source: LMS Inc.

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