There are a number of different types of eye accidents that can occur, some more serious than others. Some might necessitate emergency action and immediate care by an optician, while others can be treated at home. Follow these guidelines for common eye injuries, to figure out your next step in case of an accident. Remember that common sense preventive protections such as using protective goggles or glasses may be your best approach to avoiding eye injuries altogether.
One injury that should be regarded seriously is a scratched eye. It can lead to serious damage in a short amount of time and potentially end in vision loss. Abrasions are normally the result of a poke in the eye, or rubbing the eye when there is a particle of dust or sand in it. Since a scratch can open your eye to bacterial infection it's very important to call your optometrist or an urgent care center. The best care for a corneal abrasion is to keep it loosely covered and to see your optician right away to inspect it. Touching the eye will only cause more harm and fully covering the eye can give bacteria a place to grow.
Being prepared for what to do if you have been sprayed in the eye by a chemical is extremely important. First, you should flush out your eye by putting your head under a strong flow of lukewarm water for approximately a quarter of an hour. Then contact your optometrist or an urgent care office to see what they suggest for such injuries. Be certain to inform the doctor precisely what substance entered your eye and what you've done. If your eye is extremely red or blurry, go straight to your optometrist or an urgent care center after washing it with water. Exposure to chemicals in the eye can cause a variety of degrees of damage, from minimal discomfort to serious damage and even blindness.
While no one ever wants to think about a serious eye injury, it's advisable to be prepared with how to respond in serious situations. By being prepared you can feel confident that you'll be ready to deal with most routine eye injuries. Of course, extra safety precautions can help prevent this type of injuries from the get go so consult with your optometrist about preventative eye care!