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Projectiles (for example, from abrasive blasting or grinding) or fixed or moving objects (for example, accidental stabbing of the eye from exposed sharp objects or tools) may strike the eye and cause a graze, contusion, tear, perforation or penetrating eye injury. Penetrating injuries are more likely to occur from missiles produced by striking metal-to-metal, for example, when hammering nails. Blunt trauma to the face around the eye can also cause lacerations to the eyelids causing poor eyelid closure with resultant eye surface damage from exposure, lacerations to the lacrimal (tear) drainage system and fractures around the eye that may lead to double vision, disfigurement and sometimes loss of vision.
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Corneal abrasion stained by fluorescein dye |
Rusty corneal foreign body |
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Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye (hyphaema) as a complication of blunt trauma. Eyes with hyphaema may show other signs of damage |
Severe alkali burn causing opacification of the cornea |
Corrosive chemicals, hot liquids, irritant liquids, dust and gasses may cause severe corneal scarring leading to visual loss and disfigurement. Radiation from welding flash, industrial laser beams and infrared radiation can lead to visual impairment by causing burns to the retinal (nerve) layer inside the eye. |
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IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY!
Speed and time of irrigation is essential in preserving vision. The affected eye should be irrigated continuously for at least 15 minutes with clean cold water.
Do not attempt to remove contact lenses before or during continuous irrigation. The irrigation may wash the contact lens out or move it to be further back under the lids, the lens can be removed when medical attention is available. Refer to Emergency Department or Eye Casualty Service if available for further irrigation, removal of foreign body, assessment of damage and treatment.
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If the injury is obviously major, prevent the patient from rubbing the eye or putting any pressure on the eye, especially if a penetrating eye injury is suspected. Cover the eye with a soft bandage (and eye shield if available) and go to hospital immediately. Do NOT attempt to remove any foreign body.
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• PREVENTION is the key!
• Eliminate or control eye hazards
• Appropriate eye protection should be available. These devices protect against specific hazards such as radiation, thrown particles or objects, splashes, fumes or dust. They should be comfortable and not impair vision. They should ideally be fitted to the wearer. Provisions should be available for maintenance and correct storag.
• Caution signs in danger area
• Appropriate training of staff in safe working practices
• Good lighting conditions
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Poor vision does not always mean that a child has amblyopia.
Some focusing problems which may need glasses to correct,
do not cause amblyopia.
The Ophthalmologist will use a variety of tests to measure
vision. Drops will be used to dilate the child’s pupils
and temporarily stop their focusing in order that the need
for glasses can be assessed. The inside of the eye will
also be carefully examined to look for other causes of poor
vision.
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