EYE TRAUMA – An emergency

• Eye trauma (injury) is one of the major causes of loss of vision.
• Often people become blind due to absence of medical facilities and trained professionals
• Any injury to the eye must be considered as an EMERGENCY and treated promptly

What are the causes of an injury?

• Dust particles or foreign bodies falling in the eye
• Insect bite
• Particles that fly while burning firewood
• Exposure to flames or steam while cooking
• Facial cuts or injury
• Chemical burns
• Broken glasses from vehicles
• Injuries due to fall
• Injuries to the eye due to sharp or blunt object
• Harmful eye practices (traditional eye medications or self medication of eye drops without consulting a doctor)

What is the treatment in case of an eye injury?

• In case of a foreign body in the eye
  • Sometimes a foreign body can lodged under the eyelids, avoid rubbing the eyes.
  • Remove the particle with a moist thin swab or the twisted corner of a clean handkerchief.
  • If the foreign body is not visible, cup some clean water in the hand and blink briskly in the water.
  • If the problem persists apply a soft pad, shield the eye and rush to the hospital.
• In case of chemical burns
  • Do not rub the eye
  • Prompt first aid is essential
  • Immediately wash the face and the eye thoroughly
  • Continuously pour water into the of the eye
  • Ensure the chemical does not run into the other eye
  • Cover the eye with a dry, clean dressing and protective shield
• In case of eye injuries due to accidents
  • Apply a soft pad, shield the eye and take the patient to the hospital immediately.

What are the preventive measures?

• Be aware of the dangers of self–medication traditional but unverified practices.
• Do NOT visit an unqualified medical practitioner.
• Keep medicines, acids, chemical, hot foodstuffs and sharp objects away from the children.
• Use protective goggles/glasses while driving vehicles, in factories and other accident-prone places.
• Be well informed about FIRST-AID procedures and where the nearest medical facilities are available.

PROTECT YOUR EYES
&
SAVE YOUR SIGHT

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