EYE CONTUSION or LACERATION

 Basic information

description

Two types of eye injuries are blunt injury (contusion) or cut (laceration). They can involve the eyeball, eyelid, bones around the eyeball (eye socket), and the muscles attached to the eyeball.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Swelling, redness, tenderness, pain, bleeding, or bruising ("black eye") in or around the eye. A black eye may take 1 to 2 days to develop.
• Change in ability to see clearly.

causes

A blunt or sharp blow or cut to the eye or the area around the eye.

risk increases with

• Doing work that may risk injury to the eyes. This includes bartending (opening bottles), carpentry, or construction work.
• Paintball, BB guns, rifles, or slingshot usage.
• Sports such as baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, football, or hockey.
• Using a rotary lawn mower.
• Fist fights. Eye injuries may occur in fights. Fights are more likely with alcohol use.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

When possible, wear appropriate eye protection for any activity that may lead to eye injury. This can include eye coverings or face shields.

expected outcomes

Some injuries are mild and heal on their own. Others are usually curable with treatment. Allow 2 weeks for complete healing.

possible complications

• Permanent vision loss.
• Infection.
• Cataract.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• If you have any blurred vision, you must see a health care provider.
• For a minor contusion (black eye) during the first 24 hours, use ice packs to reduce swelling. The next day, make a warm compress by folding a clean cloth in several layers. Dip in warm water, wring out slightly, and put on the eye. Dip the compress often to keep it moist. Apply compress for an hour, rest an hour, and repeat.
• For a minor cut or scrape around the eye, apply pressure to stop any bleeding. Use a clean cloth to clean the wound. Cover with a bandage if a cut or scrape is large.
• For most eye injuries, or if you are unsure if it is serious, see your health care provider. Seek emergency care if the injury is severe.
• Your health care provider can diagnose the problem with an exam of the injured eye area.
• Treatment may involve stitches to repair cuts, or other surgical procedures.
• At home, sleep with the head raised with two pillows until symptoms get better.
• Protect eyes from bright light or sunlight by wearing dark glasses until healing is complete.

medications

• Antibiotic eyedrops to prevent infection may be prescribed.
• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Eye-drops, to dilate (enlarge) the eye pupil and rest the eye muscles, may be prescribed.

activity

For minor injury, resume normal activities after healing. For other injuries, your health care provider will give you specific advice about sports and work activities.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You have a cut or other eye injury. This may be an emergency.
• The following occur after eye injury: fever, vision changes, or eye pain that persists after treatment.

Special Notes: