Your ability to see the world around you is thanks to an incredibly complex process involving coordination between your eyes and brain. Your eyes are sensitive organs that need to be properly cared for to ensure your vision remains strong throughout your life. As we observe Eye Injury Prevention Month this October, here’s a guide to common eye injuries and ways to prevent them from EyeSite of the Villages, a top local glaucoma doctor.

Causes of Eye Injuries

Eye injuries most commonly occur due to the following:

  • Accidental eye scratch
  • Foreign objects in the eye
  • Blunt trauma
  • Chemical burns
  • Radiation exposure

Any of these events can result in vision loss or blindness if not treated right away. If you are having trouble seeing, experiencing ongoing pain in the eye, or discover serious symptoms like a cut on the eyelid or blood in the clear part of the eye, seek immediate medical attention. Go to your local cataract doctor as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor.

Treatment for Eye Injuries

Regardless of the type of injury your eyes sustained, it is never a good idea to rub, touch or apply pressure to them as doing so could make things worse. Particles in your eyes such as sand, dirt or dust can be removed by blinking several times and allowing tears to flush them out. Metal or glass bits in the eyes, however, are more serious and must be checked by your doctor.

Eye injuries caused by blunt trauma from a punch or blow or from a flying object can be treated with a cold compress to alleviate pain and swelling. Visiting an emergency room or an eye doctor should be your next step if there’s pain or visual disturbance following a light blow to your eye.

At EyeSite of The Villages, we are committed to providing the highest-quality comprehensive family eye care for clients of all ages. Visit our cataract doctor today to obtain a complete evaluation of visual acuity, eye coordination and medical eye health. Call us at (352) 504-4560 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We serve residents of Oxford and Lady Lake, FL.