Eye injuries can result from direct trauma, flash burns, or chemical contamination and may cause permanent visual impairment. Signs of eye injuries include pain, impaired or lost vision, swelling or closure of the eye, blood or fluid loss from the eye, light sensitivity, bleeding within the eye, or visible foreign objects. Management depends on the type of injury but generally involves flushing the eye with water, covering it, not applying pressure, seeking medical advice, and avoiding putting anything in the eye.

1. Dominique Caccamo EYE INJURIES

2. Eye injuries can be the result from causes such as, direct trauma, flash burns and chemical contamination.

3. Left: Horizontal laceration of the cornea with prolapsed iris through the wound. Right: Previous injury to this eye has caused severe damage to the eye with areas of sclera thinning and bulging, showing the dark choroids beneath

4. With every eye injury there is always the possibility of permanent visual impairment.

5. Signs & Symptoms pain or irritation in the eye Impairment or loss of vision Swelling or closure of eye Loss of blood or fluid from eye tears Light sensitivity Bleeding within the eye Visible foreign body within the eye

6. Embedded Object – Management Do not remove the object Place a protective cover around and over the injured eye. Do not place any pressure on the eye or the object Place a pad over the uninjured eye to prevent movement in both eyes Seek urgent medical aid

8. Small Foreign Body - Management Ask victim to blink several times Flush the affected eye with clean flowing water Seek medical aid if problem continues

9. Flush the affected eye with water.

10. General – Management Flush any foreign objects from eye, keeping the injured eye downwards Keep casualty still and comfortable Place a sterile pad over the affected eye Do not put any pressure on affected eye Encourage victim not to blink or move either eye Keep uninjured eyed covered or closed to prevent movement Seek medical advice NOTE: never place any object, fingers, in the casualties eye.

11. EYE INJURIES

12. Flash Burns A flash burn is the inflammation of the cornea. A flash burn occurs when you are exposed to bright UV rays. A flash burn is like having sunburn in your eye and can affect both eyes, if the flash burn is not treated, infection can start This is a serious problem and may cause loss of vision.

13. Symptoms of flash burn Pain, mild – severe Bloodshot eyes Light sensitivity Watery eyes Blurred vision The feeling of having something in your eye

14. Management of flash burn Dilating drops – relaxes eye muscles, lets your eye relax and eases pain Dressing – both eyes covered, lets eyes rest and heal Antibiotics – use drops ointment to stop infection

15. Bibliography Websites http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Eye_injuries_flash_burns?OpenDocument © State of Victoria 2006 Books First Aid By John Lippmann and David Natoli, 2006