Your eyes are delicate and can easily be injured, even with normal, everyday tasks. It only takes a moment for an eye injury to happen, but the injury can lead to long-lasting effects.
Prevention is key to protecting your eyes so they can stay healthy. You need to know the most common injuries that could happen at work, at home, or during sports activities. Then, you can learn how to prevent these injuries to protect your vision.
The Most Common Types of Eye Injuries
Here is an overview of the most common types of eye injuries we see in our patients:
- Corneal Abrasions: Even a small scratch on the eye can cause severe discomfort and pain. These abrasions are often caused by dust in the eye, fingernails, or rubbing your eye.
- Chemical Burns: Chemical ingredients might come in contact with the eye directly, or through fumes in the area. Examples include cleaning products, beauty products, or even splashing cooking oil that hits the eye.
- Foreign Objects: If a small particle flies into the eye, then it can cause damage. Examples include metal shavings, dirt, or glass. Not only does the particle scratch the eye, but it can also get stuck and require medical removal.
- Trauma: If the eye comes in contact with an object, then it can cause blunt force trauma. Some of the most common eye trauma injuries occur in sporting activities or in the workplace.
- Eye Infections: If bacteria get into the eye, such as touching the eye with dirty hands, then it can result in the development of an infection.
Prevention Tips to Reduce the Likelihood of Eye Injuries
It’s essential that you take a proactive approach to reduce the likelihood of an eye injury occurring. Here are a few tips that we recommend:
- Wear goggles or safety glasses if you are doing anything that could affect your eyes, such as sports, yard work, carpentry, welding, or using any type of chemicals.
- Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or inserting/removing your contact lenses.
- Don’t rub your eyes. This tip is especially important if you feel like you have something in your eye.
- Keep chemicals in well-ventilated areas and make sure they are always stored properly.
- Be careful and use eye protection when you are handling hot liquids, tools, or anything that could splash into your eyes.
Call Us If You Injure Your Eye
If you have an eye injury, then contact us right away. You might need to rinse the eyes well if chemicals are involved. Don’t try to remove an object if it is stuck in your eye. We can fit you in for an emergency appointment to help you find relief and protect your vision. Contact our team at Temecula Creek Optometry for more information: (951) 302 -1331.
