Ocular Trauma or eye trauma refers to damage caused by a direct blow or blunt trauma to the eye. The trauma may affect not only the eye, but the surrounding area, including adjacent tissue and bone structure.

There are many different forms of trauma, varying in severity from minor injury to medical emergencies. Even in cases where trauma seems minor, every eye injury should be given medical attention.

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What Causes Eye Trauma?

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Usually it’s when the eye is hit with blunt force, it suddenly compresses and retracts. This can cause blood to collect underneath the hit area, which leads to many of the common symptoms of eye trauma.

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Symptoms

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• Pain

• Trouble seeing

• Cuts to the eyelid

• One eye not moving as well

• One eye sticking out

• Blood in the clear part of the eye

• Unusual pupil size or shape

• Foreign object embedded in the eye

• Something under the eyelid that cannot be easily removed

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Treatments

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Every eye injury should be given immediate medical attention. Do not touch, rub or try to remove any object in the eye.

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If the eye has been cut or there is an object in the eye, rest a protective shield over it. Make sure there is no pressure on the eye itself. We recommend that you contact the Annan Retina Eye Center immediately for professional medical attention.

 

In more minor cases of trauma, such as a black eye from a sports injury, applying cold to the affected area can help bring swelling down, and allow the affected area to heal faster. However, even in cases where trauma seems minor, every eye injury should be looked at by a medical professional.

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