Dominique Caccamo

EYE INJURIES

Eye injuries can be the result from causes such as, direct trauma, flash burns and

chemical contamination.

Left:Horizontal laceration of the cornea with prolapsed iris through the wound.Right: Previous injury to this eye has caused severe damage to the eye with

areas of sclera thinning and bulging, showing the dark choroids beneath

With every eye injury there is always the possibility of permanent visual impairment.

Signs & Symptoms

pain or irritation in the eye

Impairment or loss of visionSwelling or closure of eye

Loss of blood or fluid from eye

tears

Light sensitivity

Bleeding within the eye

Visible foreign body within the eye

Embedded Object – Management

- Do not remove the object

- Place a protective cover around and over the injured eye.

- Do not place any pressure on the eye or the object

- Place a pad over the uninjured eye to prevent movement in both eyes

- Seek urgent medical aid

Small Foreign Body - Management

- Ask victim to blink several times

- Flush the affected eye with clean flowing water

- Seek medical aid if problem continues

Flush the affected eye with water.

General – Management

- Flush any foreign objects from eye, keeping the injured eye downwards

- Keep casualty still and comfortable- Place a sterile pad over the affected eye- Do not put any pressure on affected eye- Encourage victim not to blink or move either eye- Keep uninjured eyed covered or closed to

prevent movement- Seek medical adviceNOTE: never place any object, fingers, in the

casualties eye.

EYE

INJURIES

Flash Burns

A flash burn is the inflammation of the cornea.

A flash burn occurs when you are exposed to bright UV rays.

A flash burn is like having sunburn in your eye and can affect both eyes, if the flash burn is not treated, infection can start

This is a serious problem and may cause loss of vision.

Symptoms of flash burn

Pain, mild – severe

Bloodshot eyes

Light sensitivity

Watery eyes

Blurred vision

The feeling of having something in your eye

Management of flash burn

Dilating drops – relaxes eye muscles, lets your eye relax and eases pain

Dressing – both eyes covered, lets eyes rest and heal

Antibiotics – use drops ointment to stop infection

Bibliography

Websiteshttp://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Eye_injuries_flash_burns?OpenDocument

© State of Victoria 2006

Books First Aid

By John Lippmann and David Natoli, 2006