Eye injuries, first aid

The eye is one of the most vulnerable organs of the human body and most exposed to external aggressions and is, at the same time, a very delicate organ. People who have to apply the first aid in accident victims that have affected the eyes they should exercise extreme caution in the care they provide and always go to a specialist in case of detecting any injury. In the workplace, there is a certain group of professions in which there may be a greater risk of suffering eye injuries, as is the case of carpenters, polishers, masons or cleaning personnel, among others.

• The most frequent injuries to the eyes are caused by the presence of foreign bodies in them, by burns, or by contusions.
• Wounds to the eyes are not always visible with direct observation, but can be appreciated by instilling fluorescein eye drops into the eye.
• Those affected should be prevented from rubbing their eyes, as this can exacerbate the severity of the injury.

Most common eye injuries

The eye injuries more frequent in the eyes are produced by the presence of foreign bodies in them, by burns or by contusive mechanisms (punches, scratches or scrapes ...).

• Foreign bodies: when a foreign body enters an eye, it can be free inside it (grit, eyelashes, insects, etc.) or it can become embedded in its surface (metal particles, stone, wood, etc.).
• Burns: one of the most common injuries that an eye can accidentally suffer is a chemical burn. Injuries from caustic products (bleach, salfumán, etc.) are especially serious and can leave significant consequences, so first aid should be applied immediately and not delay the transfer of the injured person to a health center. He has a 24-hour Telephone Medical Guidance service so that they can inform you step by step on how to act in the face of this injury.
• Eye contusions: direct contusions on the eye of considerable energy (eg punch) can affect the areas around the eyeball (eyebrows, eyelids, orbital bones, etc.) or exclusively the eyeball (typical of hits by balls of a medium size).

Symptoms

Symptoms of eye injuries They are usually of the intense pain type, tearing, inability to open the eyelid (blepharospasm) or inflammation of the same (blepharitis), eye redness, hematoma in the eye, blurred vision, black spots or areas of vision ...

Diagnosis

Foreign bodies in the eye can generally be seen with simple observation. On some occasions, however, either because of their small size or because they are attached to the inside of the tube, the existence of the foreign body can only be deduced from the symptoms that the eye presents. Wounds in eyelids are not always appreciated with direct observation, but can be seen by instilling fluorescein eye drops into the eye (which will stain damaged tissues fluorescent yellow).

Decalogue of action in eye injuries

• In the case of burns due to chemical products and free foreign bodies, the eye should be cleaned with plenty of water, keeping the eyelids open for as long as possible.
• If the discomfort persists, turn the eyelid inside out and clean the inside again with plenty of water.
• Those affected should be prevented from rubbing their eyes, as this can exacerbate the severity of the injury.
• If, despite having cleaned the eyes with plenty of water, the problems do not diminish, cover the eyes with damp gauze or any other similar material that is clean and go to a health center.
• If the symptoms observed are very striking, both eyes should be covered to prevent more serious injuries that the movement of the healthy eye can cause in the affected one.
• Eye drops should never be used to treat an eye problem, since each injury requires specific treatment.
• The use of neutralizers or any other product mixed with water for washing is totally contraindicated.
• When the burns are caused by hydrocarbons (oil, gasoline, etc ...), before cleaning the eye with water, the remains of the product must be removed with gauze or a clean, dry piece of cloth, since the contact of the Hydrocarbon with water can reach very high temperatures.
• In the case of a foreign body embedded in the eye, eye washing is usually not effective because it does not drag it out. Faced with such a situation, no attempt should be made to remove the foreign bodyInstead, they must go quickly to a health center to receive medical assistance.
• In the case of bruises, it should clean the eye with plenty of water, apply cold water or ice compresses, cover one eye or both depending on the severity of the injury with wet gauze and go immediately to a health center, without using any type of eye drops.

Finally, comment that in the case of eye injuries Related to the workplace, the possible causes of accidents specific to each sector and the measures and individual protection equipment that must be taken into account to overcome these risks should be analyzed. REMEMBER THAT…

It is recommended that the eye wash last between 10 and 20 minutes, at least, and always using plenty of water.