EYE TRAUMA
Eye trauma can be through various ways. Roadside
accidents, chemical burns, diwali fire crackers,
explosives, radiation are the common insulting
factors to the eye.
In case of roadside accidents, detailed examination
for intraocular foreign body is needed. Depending
on the speed of the foreign body, extent involved
and whether the trauma is blunt or penetrating,
Corneal / Scleral perforations, Rupture of lens,
Vitreous hemorrhage, Retinal detachment can occur.
Immediate diagnosis and treatment at times saves
the eye and vision.
The severity of a burn depends on what substance
caused it and how long the substance had contact
with the eye. Damage is usually limited to the
front of the eye mainly cornea and conjunctiva
structures. Burns that penetrate deeper than the
cornea are the most severe.
Typically, a chemical eye burn- alkali/acid burns
may be caused in Industries or by household
chemicals. They are quite dangerous and must
be treated cautiously. Alkali burns with higher
pH especially household chemicals—penetrates
the surface of the eye and can cause severe
injury.
Acid burns with low PH tend to be less severe
than alkali burns, only exception being
hydrofluoric acid burn, which is as dangerous
as an alkali burn. An automobile battery
containing sulfuric acid is one of the most
common acidic burns of the eye.
SYMPTOMS
- Pain
- Redness
- Irritation
- Tearing
- Inability to keep the eye open
- Sensation of something in the eye
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Blurred vision usually due to pain or
tearing of the eye - Increase of IOP
- Complete loss of vision
MEDICATIONS
Immediate evaluation is must. Examination of
vision and detailed anterior segment
examination is necessary to see the extent of
damage and thorough washing of eye
continuously helps to wash away the toxins.
If eye is seriously damaged, one can need
surgery in form surgical reconstruction or
corneal transplant. Topical antibiotics or
lubricants and anti-inflammatory drops or
ointments may be used judiciously.
OCULOPLASTIC SURGERIES
