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The eye is a paired sensory organ of the human body. It provides the function of vision and significantly affects the quality of our life. The organs are located in front of the head, “hidden” behind the eyelids and eyelashes. Traumatization of the eye, regardless of its nature, is accompanied by tremendous pain, tearing, redness and decreased visual acuity. What you need to know about first aid for eye injuries, in which cases you need to see a doctor?
Features of the structure of the eye
Most of the organ lies in the depths of the orbit. Only three parts of the eye are available for external examination – the cornea, conjunctiva and sclera. The cornea or cornea is the anterior convex part of the eyeball. By itself, it is transparent and is responsible for light refraction. The conjunctiva or connective sheath is a thin transparent tissue that protects the outer shell of the eye and the back of the eyelids. It secretes part of the tear fluid that moistens the eye and protects it from drying out.
The sclera is the outer tough connective sheath that protects the inner cavity of the eye. Sometimes it is called squirrel because of its characteristic shade. After birth, its thickness is 0,3 millimeters, but after 4 years it rapidly increases to 1 millimeter. The sclera is formed by collagen fibers, which are collected in bundles and prevent the penetration of foreign bodies.
Do I need to see a doctor if sand, a metal part, or an insect gets into my eye? Yes, if the sclera, conjunctiva or cornea is damaged. If you were able to remove the foreign body on your own, and the condition of the eye does not arouse suspicion (no discomfort, prolonged redness, impaired visual function), you can postpone a visit to the doctor.
It is important to understand that the vast majority of eye injuries require medical attention. The patient cannot always carefully remove the foreign body, but on the contrary, provoke irritation / swelling, further damage the eye and damage health. If you are not confident in your own abilities and there is no person nearby who could provide first aid, call an ambulance or go to the doctor yourself. The specialist will determine the depth, nature of the injury, assess the condition of the retina, the degree of damage to the optic nerve, conduct an X-ray examination (optional) and draw up a therapeutic course.
Traumatization of the organ
Eye injuries occur quite often and account for up to 10% of all cases of diseases of the organs of vision. It is trauma that is one of the main causes of blindness and disability. About 60-70% of traumatization cases are recorded at industrial enterprises. The vast majority of victims are men under 40 years of age. A fifth of all patients admitted to medical institutions with an eye injury are minors.
The organs of vision are extremely sensitive. Even a slight impact can lead to serious violations and problems with further functionality. In this case, the main thing is to detect the problem in time, provide high-quality first aid and send the victim to the doctor. What you need to know about first aid for eye injuries, what actions are required, and which can lead to undesirable consequences?
Basic rules for therapeutic and preventive measures
Regardless of the nature of the damage, there is a list of actions that can only harm the victim. Among them is the desire to wipe the eyelid, make sure it is intact, get rid of the fuzzy picture. Touching, rubbing, crushing the damaged eye is prohibited. Firstly, you will increase the impact on the organ, and secondly, you can introduce an infection and aggravate the condition.
The second prohibition concerns the use of cotton wool. Do not try to flush the eye with cotton pads or push out the foreign body with cotton swabs. The villi will penetrate inside and only increase the discomfort. Vatu is used only when heavy bleeding is discovered, but only a doctor under appropriate conditions can treat such wounds. Another prohibition applies in the case of a chemical burn of the organs of vision. Do not try to neutralize one chemical solution with another, this will increase the destructive effect of the liquids. You can wash the wound only with boiled water or antiseptic liquids that are intended for this.
If a penetrating injury is suspected, do not rinse the eye. Wait for the arrival of medical staff and follow their instructions.
Mechanical injury
Mechanical injuries – damage to tissues, bone structures, individual organs due to impact, bruise, fracture, etc. The intensity of pain and consequences vary depending on the strength of the blow and its location. If the patient is conscious, but the integrity of the eye or its functionality is impaired, call an ambulance and provide first aid. Gently clean the affected area of dirt with filtered water or an antiseptic solution. If possible, apply a cold object to the eye and apply a bandage. The main thing is to perform actions as carefully and gently as possible, without creating additional pressure.
With intense mechanical impact, damage and detachment of the optic nerve occurs, which can lead to partial blindness. In this case, first aid should be provided by a doctor. The victim is injected with tetanus toxoid, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, an aseptic dressing is applied and taken to the hospital for further therapy. With heavy bleeding, loss of an eye, serious injuries, it is better to wait for a doctor. Unqualified actions will only aggravate the condition of the victim. Contact an ambulance, explain the situation, listen to the doctor’s recommendations and follow them.
Chemical damage
In case of chemical damage, thoroughly rinse the eyes and eyelids with plenty of running water. Ideally, you should sit the victim at the sink, throw his head back, ask him to open his eyelids and rinse them until the ambulance arrives (but not more than 20-30 minutes). Wash only the damaged area.
In case of contact with lime powder, washing is strictly prohibited. Interaction with water will only increase the burn and pain. Try to remove the crystals with a dry cloth and only then proceed to washing.
Upon arrival at the medical facility, the patient will be given anesthesia and will begin to remove particles trapped in the conjunctival sac. After that, the area is washed under running water for 5 to 30 minutes. Following the eyelids, a disinfectant ointment is applied, a bandage is applied to the eye, and, based on the patient’s condition, therapy is started.
Thermal damage
Thermal burns do not require washing the wound. It is enough to remove dirt from the eyelids, wipe with an antibacterial agent and put a cold object on the eye. The main thing is that liquid does not get into the damaged area. If you are using ice, then wrap it in several layers of cloth/paper or put it in a plastic bag before applying it to your skin. The victim immediately develops increased photophobia. Darken the room you are in to eliminate additional irritants. If possible, apply antibacterial ointment on and behind the eyelid (remember to wash and dry your hands first). After the arrival of the ambulance, the victim is injected with tetanus toxoid, analgesics, and special solutions are instilled into the eyes. In severe burns, surgery will be required with excision and subsequent replacement of the cornea.
The presence of a foreign body
If the foreign body is too large, but it is impossible to pull it out on your own, you should create a framework that minimizes the risk of displacement. Displacement will lead to greater trauma and will only aggravate the condition of the victim. How and from what to make a frame? Use any improvised objects that only catch your eye. Ask the victim to take a comfortable, stable position and cover both eyes with a tissue. This will help to avoid paired simultaneous movements of the eyeballs, which will also affect the displacement of the foreign body. Put antibacterial drops in your eyes, wait for the ambulance to arrive, or take the victim to the emergency room yourself.
eye bleeding
It develops after serious mechanical damage or deep penetrating trauma. Before the arrival of the ambulance, it is necessary to stop the blood loss as soon as possible. To do this, the victim is instilled with antibacterial drops and a sterile bandage is applied. As a bandage, you can use a sterile bandage or gauze. If at the right time they were not there, use a clean napkin, previously ironed with an iron. Cover both eyes as simultaneous movements of the eyeball can aggravate the situation and increase pain.
Mote feeling in the eye
Sand, insects, accumulation of dust, pieces of abrasive cosmetics and any small elements that surround a person can get into the eye. With active blinking and tearing (an increased amount of fluid is released in response to irritation), the motes should come out on their own. If this does not happen, rinse your eyes with water.
Try to keep mechanical impact to a minimum. Take a large glass, fill it with water, put it to the eye and raise your head sharply so that the water in the glass completely covers the eye. Wait for the water to wash the mote, blink a few times to speed up the process. Then apply antibacterial drops to your eyes.
Discomfort in the eye will remain even after the performed manipulations, since the integrity of the protective layer is broken. If the pain persists for several days, see a doctor. You may have severely damaged your cornea and need treatment.
Traumatization of the eye can lead to irreversible consequences. To maintain your full vision, be careful, avoid potentially dangerous places and follow safety precautions during working hours. If the damage did occur, follow a set of therapeutic and preventive measures (or ask a nearby person about it) and wait for the ambulance to arrive. The main thing – do not be afraid to consult a doctor, regardless of the intensity of symptoms and pain. The doctor will listen to complaints and help eliminate even minor discomfort. Enjoy the benefits of modern medicine and be healthy.