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OCULAR TRAUMA AND INJURIES

DEFINITION OF OCULAR TRAUMA AND INJURIES

Ocular trauma refers to any injury to the eye or surrounding structures, including the eyelid, orbit, and optic nerve. Eye injuries can range from mild corneal abrasions to severe globe rupture, potentially leading to vision loss, infection, or blindness if not treated promptly.

Eye injuries are a significant cause of preventable vision impairment and are commonly caused by workplace accidents, sports injuries, blunt force trauma, or chemical exposure. Immediate evaluation and treatment are essential to preserve vision.

RISK FACTORS OF OCULAR TRAUMA AND INJURIES

  • Occupational Hazards
  • Home Accidents
  • Sports & Recreational Activities
  • Violence or Assault
  • Road Traffic Accidents

SYMPTOMS

 

          • Ranges from mild irritation to intense throbbing pain

          • May increase with eye movement or blinking

          • Often the first sign of internal or surface injury

                • Subconjunctival hemorrhage (red patch on the white of the eye)

                • Hyphema (blood in the front chamber of the eye – serious!)

                • General redness due to inflammation or irritation

                  • May be partial or complete

                  • Can result from:

                    • Corneal abrasions

                    • Hyphema

                    • Retinal detachment

                    • Optic nerve damage

                • Especially after corneal injury, foreign body, or internal inflammation

                • May be accompanied by tearing and eye spasms

              • Reflex tearing due to surface injury or chemical exposure

              • Often associated with foreign body sensation

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TREATMENT TYPES

        • Keep the eye closed and still

        • Use a clean shield or cup to protect the eye (avoid pressure)

        • Rinse eyes with clean water or saline if exposed to chemicals

        • Seek immediate medical care for any penetrating or severe injuries

      • Irrigate immediately with clean water or saline for at least 15–30 minutes

      • Check pH of the eye (goal: 7.0–7.5)

      • Topical antibiotics, cycloplegics, and steroids may be prescribed

      • Severe cases: amniotic membrane graft or surgery

            • Do NOT remove the object

            • Apply a protective shield

            • Immediate referral to an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist)

            • Requires emergency surgery to close the globe and prevent infection

            • Systemic antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis

                  • Elevate head of bed to 30°–45°

                  • Limit physical activity

                  • Use:

                    • Topical steroids

                    • Cycloplegics

                    • Antiglaucoma meds if IOP is high

                  • Monitor for complications like glaucoma or corneal staining

        • May cause double vision, enophthalmos, or muscle entrapment

        • CT scan to assess damage

        • Ice packs, pain control, avoid nose blowing

        • Surgical repair if:

          • Muscle entrapment occurs

          • Large fracture

          • Cosmetic deformity

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FAQS

Ocular trauma refers to any injury to the eye or its surrounding structures (eyelids, orbit, tear ducts), caused by blunt force, sharp objects, chemicals, burns, or foreign bodies. It can range from mild irritation to vision-threatening emergencies.

    • Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye surface)

    • Foreign bodies (dust, metal, wood)

    • Chemical burns

    • Penetrating injuries (sharp objects entering the eye)

    • Blunt trauma (fist, ball, fall)

    • Orbital fractures

    • Thermal or radiation burns

    • Hyphema (bleeding inside the eye)

    • Eye pain or discomfort

    • Redness or tearing

    • Blurred or double vision

    • Light sensitivity (photophobia)

    • Blood in the eye (hyphema or subconjunctival hemorrhage)

    • Eye swelling or bruising

    • Loss of vision

    • Foreign body sensation

    • Irregular pupil shape or eye misalignment

      • Do NOT rub or touch the eye

      • For chemicals: Rinse with clean water or saline for at least 15–30 minutes

      • Cover with a clean shield or eye cup (avoid pressure)

      • Avoid using eye drops or ointments unless prescribed

      • Seek emergency medical attention, especially if vision is affected or there is bleeding

      • Go immediately if you experience:

        • Sudden vision loss

        • Severe pain

        • Visible blood inside the eye

        • Penetrating injury (object in the eye)

        • Chemical or thermal burns

        • Unequal or distorted pupils

        • Flashes of light or floaters after trauma

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