- Corneal scratch - dust or nails
- Penetrating wound - Sharp objects or punches
- Cuts in the eyes or eyelids
- Bleeding
- Weld heat burns or sparks
- Chemical burns
The treatment for injuries and blows to the eyes depends on the type and severity of the injury, and may only be necessary a home treatment with water or artificial tears for less serious accidents or use of antibiotics and other drugs in the most severe cases.
Eye accidents are common at any stage of life, and it is important to remember what caused the accident and how long ago the wound or irritation symptoms were identified.
Here's what to do in each case.
Corneal scratch - dust or nails
Also called corneal abrasion, the scratch is usually caused by nails, dust, sand, sawdust, loose metal particles or the tip of a sheet of paper.
In general, simple scratches heal naturally in up to 2 days, but if symptoms of pain, a feeling of sand in the eye, blurred vision, headache and watering appear, seek medical help. In these cases, it is recommended to wash the eye only with clean running water and to blink the eye several times, to help eliminate the foreign body.
In addition, to avoid complications until you get to the doctor, you should avoid rubbing or scratching the eye and not trying to remove the foreign body, especially using objects such as nails, cotton swabs or tweezers, as this can aggravate the eye injury. See more tips here.
Penetrating wound - Sharp objects or punches
They are wounds that pierce the eye, caused mainly by sharp objects such as pencils, tweezers or kitchen utensils, or by blows or punches.
This type of injury causes eye swelling and bleeding and, if the object is dirty or contaminated with microorganisms, it can lead to an infection that spreads throughout the body.
Thus, the treatment should always be done with the doctor, being only indicated to cover the eye with gauze or a clean cloth until going to the emergency room to quickly start the treatment.
Cuts in the eyes or eyelids
They are also caused by sharp or cutting objects, such as knives, pencils and scissors, and the patient must be taken immediately to the emergency room.
Depending on the type of sharp object and the severity of the injury, it may be necessary to take stitches or use antibiotics to fight infections.
Bleeding
Bleeding can result from sores and cuts in the eyes, and should always be evaluated by the doctor to identify complications such as perforations, rupture of the eyeball or detachment of the retina, which can cause decreased vision or blindness.
In general, bleeding stops within 1 week, and it is necessary to suspend the use of medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can stimulate eye bleeding.
Weld heat burns or sparks
In cases of heat burn, such as contact with hot objects, just wash the eye and eyelids with cold running water and place a damp cloth over the eye regularly until reaching the emergency room, to keep the region moist. However, dressings should not be applied as they can cause sores and ulcers in the cornea.
In cases of burns due to the use of solder without the protection of glasses, symptoms that the eye has been damaged, such as sensitivity to light, pain, redness and tearing, can take up to 12 hours to appear. As soon as these symptoms appear, the doctor should be contacted to initiate appropriate treatment.
Chemical burns
They can be caused by the use of chemical substances at work, by explosions from the car battery or by cleaning products at home, for example, and they need urgent first aid care.
Thus, the victim should wash the eye with running water for at least 15 minutes, preferably lying or sitting with the head turned back.
Upon reaching the emergency room, the doctor will assess whether the cornea has been affected and may indicate the use of antibiotic pills or eye drops and drops of vitamin C to put in the eyes.
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