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continued:
Eye injury: Tips to protect vision
What are the signs and symptoms of an eye injury?
It's not always easy to identify an eye injury — especially in a child. Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms:
- Obvious pain or trouble seeing
- A cut or torn eyelid
- One eye not moving as well as the other eye
- One eye sticking out or seeming more prominent compared with the other
- An unusual pupil size or shape
- Blood in the white part of the eye
- An object on the eye or under the eyelid that can't easily be removed
What can you do if an eye injury occurs?
When an eye injury occurs, seek medical help from an ophthalmologist or another doctor as soon as possible — even if the injury seems minor. Delaying care could lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. In addition, take simple steps to prevent further damage. For example:
- Don't touch, rub or apply pressure to the eye
- Don't try to remove an object that appears stuck on the surface of the eye or an object that appears to have penetrated the eye
- Don't apply ointment or medication to the eye
- Flush out any chemicals the eye has been exposed to with plenty of clean water
- Gently place a shield or gauze patch over the eye until you can get medical attention
An accident can happen in the blink of an eye. Being prepared — both through prevention and quick action in case of an emergency — can help keep you and your loved ones seeing clearly.
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References
- Eye injuries at home. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/home.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- In the work place. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/workplace.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Eye injuries among children. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/children.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Protective eyewear. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/eyewear.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Protecting your eyes at work. American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/x4736.xml. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Play it safe! Prevent Blindness America. http://preventblindness.org/children/playitsf.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- When an eye injury occurs. The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyecare/treatment/eyeinjury.cfm. Accessed Dec. 22, 2010.
- Holiday eye protection. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/holiday.cfm. Accessed Dec. 23, 2010.
- Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 31, 2010.
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