The eyes are also at risk when one has injured during head trauma. Areas may include the bones and tissue surrounding the eye, front and surface of the eye, interior of the eye, retina, optic nerve and/or the visual center of the brain. The injury may be acquired from a direct blow to the eye, broken bones surrounding the eye and scratch or puncture made by a foreign object.
When there is an eye injury, it is very important to seek medical care at once. Injuries ranging from slight scratches or scrapes to ocular nerve damage can lead into infection resulting scar or loss of vision.
Injury to the Cornea
The cornea is a transparent membrane that covers the iris (or colored portion of the eye). This membrane helps focus light towards the back of the eye, making us see objects better. It also shields the eye from harmful agents like dust, germs and small debris.
There are two common corneal injuries that can be acquired from head trauma: corneal abrasions and corneal lacerations. Abrasions can happen when the cornea is scraped or scratched and some of the cells are cast off. Meanwhile, lacerations happen when a foreign object stabs and cuts into the cornea.
In case of removing foreign object from the eye, it is crucial that the procedure must not be done on one’s own but must seek medical professional help. One must understand that there are numerous delicate nerves in the eye that when the object is pulled out haphazardly, further injuries may be induced. Furthermore, the foreign object may have bore fungus, parasites or bacteria into the eye; thus, necessary treatment must be implemented right away.
Injuries from Blunt Force
Blunt eye injuries may be caused by a fist during a fight or assault, by a person or the ground during playing games or sports, or by an object during an accident. This kind of eye injury may involve the following:
- Intraocular hemorrhage or internal bleeding of the globe of the eye
- Bruising of the retina
- Detachment of the retinal tissue at the back of the eye
- Rupture of the eye