Ocular Injuries

There are a wide variety of eye injuries, all of which require an urgent medical evaluation due to the potential for permanent vision loss. We strongly recommend the use of protective eyewear such as safety goggles or eye shields when playing sports, operating tools or whenever there is a potential for injury. Eye injuries are particularly common in children.

• Corneal Abrasions

  The cornea is the clear front portion of the eyeball which is responsible for focusing light. Accidents may cause chemicals or foreign objects to come in contact with the cornea. The delicate and sensitive surface of the cornea can be easily scratched, resulting in what is known as a corneal abrasion. Abrasions of the cornea require emergency evaluation and treatment due to the potential for infection and vision loss.

• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

  The "whites" of the eyes are covered by a clear membrane called the conjunctiva. The small blood vessels (capillaries) which course within the conjunctiva can be damaged by foreign objects, eye rubbing, or even an infection, causing a small amount of blood to accumulate under the conjunctiva known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. These hemorrhages cause severe eye redness and may be exacerbated by medications such as aspirin.

• Traumatic Cataract

  A cataract occurs when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and/or other visual distortions. Cataracts are typically caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, aging, and genetic factors. Cataracts can also result from any forceful impact to the eye. Cataracts which cause visual symptoms are treated by surgery.

• Hyphema

  A forceful impact to the eye may also result in damage to the delicate blood vessels on the iris, the central colored portion of the eye, resulting in blood inside the eyeball called a hyphema. A hyphema requires urgent medical attention as it may result in permanent vision loss.