Eye Injuries Happen Way Too Often
Over 2.5 million eye injuries happen yearly in the United States, with 50,000 people losing at least partial vision. Of that 2.5 million, almost 18% are caused by projectile objects, 13% by blunt objects, 10% by body parts (fingers, elbows, fists, etc.), and 9% by sharp objects.
Of the millions of eye injuries yearly, almost half (44%) occur at home and 40% during sports activities. The remaining 16% is taken up by various work-related injuries.
The 5 Most Common Types Of Eye Injuries
1. Scratches: Often caused when a foreign body enters the eye, and the individual rubs their eye to remove the irritation. Eyes can also become scratched when they are hit by a foreign body. Scratched eyes can quickly become severe, with a bacterial or fungal infection, for example. See a doctor if there is no improvement within one or two days.
2. Chemical Burn: This type of injury often happens when a chemical is splashed into the eye or transferred from an individual’s hands. Fumes and vapors can also cause chemical burns. Determining the chemical type, acid or alkali, is crucial since acid can be washed out more quickly than alkali. If eyes become red or blurry or do not improve after 24 hours, visit a doctor.
3. Flash Burn: Burns to the eyes come from sunlight, welding, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Protecting eyes against sunburn, Yes, Your Eyes Can Get a Sunburn, and taking precautions in welding and other situations is essential to preventing flash burns.
4. Foreign Object: An object in the eye can be anything from an eyelash and dust to wood splinters and food. Time and eye flushing can remove these objects. However, self-removal is a bad idea when a foreign object, such as a fish hook, actually penetrates the eye. Instead, getting to a doctor right away is essential. Also, if the eye is scratched by the object and does not improve in a couple of days, see your doctor.
5. Impacts: These injuries often happen in sports, resulting in a swollen, black, and blue eye. It’s essential to check for additional injuries, such as a broken eye socket or internal damage. When a blow to the eye occurs, see your doctor right away.
Most Eye Injuries Are Preventable
The most startling fact regarding eye injuries, regardless of type and cause, is that 90% of all eye injuries could be prevented by wearing protective eyewear. But unfortunately, only 50% of people wear them when working around the house, which is the most likely place to receive an eye injury. Therefore, knowing what to do and what NOT to do in Eye Emergencies is crucial.
