In addition to eye injuries causing immediate pain or damage to the eye, they can also lead to eye infections or severe corneal tears that may require corneal transplantation or grafting. However, eye injuries come in various forms, each affecting the eye differently. What symptoms or signs require urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist? Today, we have some useful information to share.
1. When punched, slapped, fallen, or face hits the ground falling from a vehicle, car accident, car rollover, hit by a tennis ball, football, or shuttlecock. If you notice swelling and bruising around the eye, you may relieve the pain by taking painkillers first. If you can still open your eyes somewhat, try testing your vision to see if you can see things as clearly as the other normal eye. If it is similar, it is considered not dangerous. But if you feel your vision is significantly darkened or blurred, see an ophthalmologist immediately because this symptom may be a serious emergency requiring urgent treatment.
2. Hit by a rubber band or rubber bullet that children often play with, including sharp objects or pointed tips that may accidentally hit the eye. If this happens, do not hesitate; see an ophthalmologist immediately because it can be dangerous enough to cause bleeding into the front chamber of the eye (Hyphema). Additionally, accidents from balloons, such as children fighting over balloons causing them to burst and hit the eye, can cause internal eye bleeding. This also requires urgent ophthalmologist consultation.
3. Eye exposed to light or sparks from welding commonly found in factories or repair shops for engines and metalwork. Besides the risk of metal shards flying into the eye, the bright light from welding can also damage vision. The correct prevention method is to wear protective glasses or use a shield with a light-filtering glass to cover the face and eyes. Metal shards, whether small or large, can be very dangerous if they enter the eye. The only solution is to see an ophthalmologist immediately for removal and treatment. If you cannot see an ophthalmologist right away, use Occulent eye ointment to apply first, cover with gauze, and take painkillers to relieve symptoms.
4. Acid, alkali, or gas in the eye found in industrial plants, chemical factories, and laboratories. If these substances splash into the eye, rinse the eye immediately with running water as quickly as possible because acid or alkali contact can cause blindness. Keep the eye open and let the water flow for about 15 minutes, then apply Occulent eye ointment to prevent infection, cover with gauze, and see a doctor as soon as possible.
5. Eye rupture (Penetrating injuries) is very severe. In cases where the eye is ruptured or severely damaged, treatment is often hopeless. If it is only a small tear, it may be sutured, but if it is a long wound, internal eye tissues may leak out, making repair very difficult. Such cases often end with surgery or removal of the eye.
The eye is an important organ. Therefore, if ‘you have vision problems, suffer a severe eye injury, or notice any abnormality in your eye, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately’ for examination and treatment.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theerathep Tantayakom
Ophthalmologist specializing in corneal diseases
Eye Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
