Everything to Know About Eye Injuries

The potential for eye injuries to occur can be confronting for anyone, especially since they can happen unexpectedly and under the most ordinary circumstances. That is why it’s important to know how most common eye injuries happen, and what actions should be taken if they do. From accidental scratches while playing sports to a misjudged distance during everyday activities, eye injuries can cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, serious eye trauma. Fortunately, many eye injuries can be managed effectively by an optometrist without the need for a hospital visit.

Understanding Eye Injuries

An eye injury can range from minor irritation to severe trauma that requires immediate attention. Examples of common eye injuries include corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of the eye), foreign objects in the eye, chemical burns and penetrating eye injuries.

A penetrating eye injury is particularly concerning as it involves a foreign object entering the eye, potentially causing significant damage. Other serious conditions include bleeding in the eye, known as hyphema, which can result from blunt force trauma.

How Your Optometrist Can Help

Optometrists are trained to diagnose, manage and treat a multitude of eye conditions and injuries. We have a significant role to play in managing eye injuries, from providing immediate first aid to handling follow-up care.

Eye injury first aid often includes actions like flushing out foreign objects from the eye or gently bandaging an injured eye before professional care can be received. Remember, it is crucial not to rub or put pressure on an injured eye as this can exacerbate the injury.

Bayside Eyecare optometrists are well-equipped to manage eye injuries in children, who are often more susceptible to such accidents due to their active lifestyles. We understand that the best way of dealing with upset children is through gentle, compassionate care that can help ease the anxiety and stress associated with eye injuries.

When to Seek Emergency Care

At Bayside Eyecare, our primary concern is always the health and wellbeing of your eyes. We are highly trained in identifying signs of serious eye injuries that warrant a higher level of medical attention. While many eye injuries can be effectively managed by an optometrist, some cases require advanced or immediate medical intervention. Severe pain, vision loss, deep cuts or significant bleeding in the eye are a few indicators that immediate specialised care is necessary.

When it comes to serious eye injuries, time is of the essence and every moment matters. At Bayside Eyecare, we’re dedicated to ensuring you’re guided towards the most appropriate and timely care, prioritising your vision and eye health above all. In cases where a more severe injury is suspected, we strongly urge caution and immediate action.

Preventing Eye Injuries

Prevention is always best when it comes to protecting your vision. To protect your eyes and those of your loved ones, consider the following tips:

• Wear protective eyewear while playing sports, doing yard work or engaging in other activities that pose a risk to your eyes, such as any handiwork.
• Teach children about the importance of eye safety, and ensure they wear appropriate eye protection during potentially risky activities.
• Handle sharp objects with significant care.
• Always wear eye protection when dealing with chemicals that have the potential to cause harm
• Use sunglasses with UV protection as sun exposure can damage your eyes over time.
• Use cosmetic products cautiously. Expired or contaminated eye makeup should be discarded.
• Regularly get your eyes checked. An optometrist can provide advice tailored to your specific lifestyle and needs.

Bayside Eyecare is Here to Help

Eye injuries, while common, can often be managed effectively with the right care and guidance. The team at Bayside Eyecare is here to help, offering expertise in managing a range of eye injuries and conditions. 

Whether you need immediate care for an eye injury, advice on prevention, or a routine eye check-up, we are here for you. You can get in contact with us today on (03) 9909 5329 or complete our online form to book an appointment.