A foreign object in the eye is dangerous and should be treated as a medical emergency, especially if the object entered the eye at a high rate of speed or the victim is suffering vision loss or blood or fluid discharge. Swift diagnosis and treatment is required to reduce risk of worsening symptoms and long-term vision loss. What Object Entered the Eye? Particles entering the eye can cause discomfort, but certain materials are more harmful than others. While sand, dust, stray eyelashes or a misshapen contact lens can all be bothersome, grave injury can result when metal shards, glass slivers or construction materials enter the eye, or when any substance flies into the eye at a high speed. Eye Symptoms Identifying the victim’s symptoms will determine the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include: • Pain from light exposure • Uncontrolled blinking • Bloodshot appearance • Blurred vision • Burning, itching or scratching pain More serious symptoms include: • Complete vision loss • Bleeding from the eye • Leaking fluid • Pooling blood inside the eye • Bulging or swelling When any severe symptoms are present, the victim should seek medical attention immediately. How to Remove the Object To avoid complications, do not attempt to remove a foreign object if it is sharp, lodged firmly in the eye, blocks eyelids from closing or is composed of metal or hazardous chemicals. In any of these scenarios, bandage both eyes completely to limit movement, and visit the nearest emergency room. If the situation is not serious, wash your hands and fill a bowl or pan with clean water. Tilt your head downward and blink multiple times underneath the water. This will assist in flushing out the unwanted object. If the object is not removed after the initial attempt, call your doctor promptly. If the object was successfully removed but symptoms such as pain, blurred vision and swelling persist, see a doctor. On-the-Job Eye Safety Many career paths can put workers at risk of serious eye injury, infection and life-threatening disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 2,000 U.S. workers per day experience an eye injury on the job. In an industrial setting, ground-up cement, wood chips, nails, metal staples, splashing chemicals and even UV radiation can harm eyes and cause permanent disability or blindness. In the healthcare sector, blood, mucous, phlegm and other bodily fluids can pass diseases, bacteria or viruses such as HIV from one party to another through eye membranes. To avoid suffering a foreign object in the eye, workers must be trained to use tools and equipment properly. All safety hazards should be identified and remedied. Proper vision protection should be used at all times, and masks and glasses should all be kept in like-new condition. Workers should know how to respond to an eye emergency, and first-aid kits should be placed in easily accessible locations throughout the job site. Take proper precautions and educate at-risk parties on emergency response practices to reduce the severity and number accidents involving foreign objects in the eyes.
Related Articles -
eye problem, object in eye, eye laceration, eye discomfort, eye pain, eye watering, eye injury,
|