ophthalmic emergency

8/9/2019 ophthalmic emergency

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Definition

Eye emergencies include cuts,

,burnsscratches, objects in the eye,

chemical exposure, and blunt injuries to

the eye or eyelid. Since the eye is easilydamaged, any of these conditions can

lead to vision loss if left untreated.


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Considerations

It is important to get medical attention for allsignificant eye or eyelid injuries and problems.

An injury to the eyelid may be a sign of severe

injury to the eye itself. Many eye problems

(such as a painful red eye) that are not due toinjury still need urgent medical attention.

A chemical injury to the eye can be caused by a

work-related accident or by common householdproducts, such as cleaning solutions, garden

chemicals, solvents, or many other types of

chemicals. Fumes and aerosols can also cause

chemical burns


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With acid burns, the haze on the cornea often clears

with a good chance of recovery. However, alkaline

substances -- such as lime, lye, commercial drain

cleaners, and sodium hydroxide found in refrigeration

equipment -- may cause permanent damage to the

cornea. Ongoing damage may occur in spite of prompt

treatment. It is important to flush the eye with cleanwater or saline while seeking urgent medical care.

Dust, sand, and other debris can easily enter the eye.

Persistent pain and redness indicate that professional

treatment is needed. A foreign body may threaten yourvision if the object enters the eye itself or damages the

cornea or lens. Foreign bodies propelled at high speed

by machining, grinding, or hammering metal on metal

present the highest risk.


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A black eye is usually caused by direct trauma to

the eye or face. Certain types of skull fractures canresult in bruising around the eyes, even without

direct trauma to the eye. The bruise is caused by

bleeding under the skin. The tissue surrounding

the eye turns black and blue, gradually becomingpurple, green, and yellow over several days. The

abnormal coloring disappears within 2 weeks.

Usually, swelling of the eyelid and tissue around

the eye also occurs.

Occasionally, serious damage to the eye itself

occurs from the pressure of the swollen tissue.

Bleeding inside the eye can reduce vision, cause

glaucoma, or damage the cornea.


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Causes

Head injury

Foreign object in the eye

Chemical injury

Blow to the eye

Eyelid and eye cuts

Conjunctivitis

Glaucoma

Orbital cellulitis

Iritis

Corneal abrasion


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Symptoms

Eye pain

Loss of vision

Decreased vision

Double vision

Redness -- bloodshot appearance

Sensitivity to light

Bleeding

Bruising

Cuts or wounds

Headache

Itchy eyes

Pupils of unequal size

Stinging and burning

Sensation of something in the eye


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First Aid

Take prompt action and followthe steps below if you or

someone else related has an

eye-injury


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SMALLOBJECT ON THE EYE OR EYELID

The eye will often clear itself of tiny objects, like eyelashes and sand, through

blinking and tearing. If not, take these steps:

1. Tell the person not to rub the eye. Wash your hands before examining it.

2. Examine the eye in a well-lighted area. To find the object, have the

person look up and down, then side to side.

3. If you can't find the object, grasp the lower eyelid and gently pull down onit to look under the lower eyelid. To look under the upper lid, you can

place a cotton-tipped swab on the outside of the upper lid and gently flip

the lid over the cotton swab.

4. If the object is on an eyelid, try to gently flush it out with water. If that does

not work, try touching a second cotton-tipped swab to the object toremove it.

5. If the object is on the eye, try gently rinsing the eye with water. It may

help to use an eye dropper positioned above the outer corner of the eye.

DO NOT touch the eye itself with the cotton swab.


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A scratchy feeling or other minor

discomfort may continue afterremoving eyelashes and other tiny

objects. This will go away within a

day or two. If the person continuesto have discomfort or blurred

vision, get medical help.


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OBJECT STUCK OR EMBEDDED IN EYE

1. Leave the object in place. DO NOT try to removethe object. DO NOT touch it or apply any

pressure to it.

2. Calm and reassure the person.

3. Wash your hands.

4. Bandage both eyes. If the object is large, place a

paper cup or cone over the injured eye and tape

it in place. Cover the uninjured eye with gauze or

a clean cloth. If the object is small, cover botheyes with a clean cloth or sterile dressing. Even if

only one eye is affected, covering both eyes will

help prevent eye movement.

5. Get medical help immediately.


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CHEMICALS IN THE EYE

1. Flush with cool tap water immediately. Turn the

person's head so the injured eye is down and to theside. Holding the eyelid open, allow running water

from the faucet to flush the eye for 15 minutes.

2. If both eyes are affected, or if the chemicals are also

on other parts of the body, have the victim take ashower.

3. If the person is wearing contact lenses and the

lenses did not flush out from the running water, have

the person try to remove the contacts AFTER

theflushing procedure.

4. Continue to flush the eye with clean water or saline

while seeking urgent medical attention.

5. After following the above instructions, seek medical


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EYE CUTS, SCRATCHES, OR BLOWS

1. If the eyeball has been injured, get medical

help immediately.

2. Gently apply cold compresses to reduce

swelling and help stop any bleeding. DO NOT

apply pressure to control bleeding.

3. If blood is pooling in the eye, cover both of the

person's eyes with a clean cloth or sterile

dressing, and get medical help.


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EYELID CUTS

1. Carefully wash the eye. Apply a thick layerof bacitracin or mupirocin ointment on the

eyelid. Place a patch over the eye. Seek

medical help immediately.

2. If the cut is bleeding, apply gentle pressurewith a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding

subsides.

3. Rinse with water, cover with a clean

dressing, and place a cold compress onthe dressing to reduce pain and swelling.


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DO NOT

DO NOT press or rub an injured eye.DO NOT remove contact lenses unless rapid

swelling is occurring, there is a chemical injury and

the contacts did not come out with the water flush, or

you cannot get prompt medical help.DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign body that

appears to be embedded in any part of the eye. Get

medical help immediately.

DO NOT use cotton swabs, tweezers, or anything

else on the eye itself. Cotton swabs should only beused on the eyelid.

DO NOT attempt to remove an embedded object.


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When to Contact a Medical

Professional Seek emergency medical care if:

There appears to be any visible scratch, cut, or

penetration of your eyeball.

Any chemical gets into your eye.

The eye is painful and red.

Nausea accompanies the eye pain.

You have any trouble seeing (such as blurry

vision).


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Prevention

Supervise children carefully. Teach them how

to be safe.

Always wear protective eye wear when using

power tools, hammers, or other striking tools.

Always wear protective eye wear when

working with toxic chemicals.

ophthalmic emergency

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