Preventing eye injuries Pt:1

Dear reader, your eyes are always at risk for an injury whenever you engage in activities that may involve objects flying into the eye. More than 60 per cent of these accidents occur at home and many of them could be prevented.{{more}}

The most frequent injuries are usually of a minor nature…such as corneal abrasions. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear part of the eye. Usually antibiotic drops and ointment are the appropriate treatment for this. An eye patch is usually placed on the eye for comfort.

Also foreign bodies such as sand or other particles can get stuck on the cornea. If they are superficial they can be removed with a wet Q-tip, usually by an ophthalmologist. One is advised not to rub the eye as it may make the situation worse. Deeper foreign bodies may require surgical intervention.

Regular prescription glasses or contact lenses may shatter if the eye is hit. They do not protect the eyes from injury. If you are involved in sports activities and need to wear prescription glasses, you should have special protective glasses or goggles made.

Sadly enough, many people do not feel that they may be at risk for eye injuries until it happens. Most eye injuries can easily be prevented when one follows proper safety precautions and uses common sense to minimise the risk.

Continued next week.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us.

Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com
Tel: 784 456-1210