By Dr. Adaeze Nwoko (OD)
What Is Eye Trauma?
Eye trauma is any injury to the eye or surrounding structures that can impact the cornea, retina, optic nerve, or other tissues. It ranges from minor surface irritation to severe damage that may lead to vision loss. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi, our experienced optometrists are trained to assess and treat various forms of eye trauma using modern diagnostic tools and personalized care.
Types of Eye Trauma
Eye trauma is generally categorized into two broad types:
Open globe injuries
These include rupture trauma, penetrating injuries, perforating trauma, and mixed injuries. A penetrating injury partially tears a part of the eye structure, while a perforating injury completely passes through it.
Closed globe injuries
These include contusions, lamellar lacerations, superficial foreign body injuries, and other non-perforating traumas. Closed globe injuries may still pose serious risks and require immediate medical attention.
Understanding the structures involved helps optometrists develop accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
Common Causes of Eye Trauma
Eye trauma can result from a wide variety of causes. Some of the most common include:
Foreign body trauma
Small particles like dust, wood, metal shavings, or plant matter can get into the eye and cause discomfort or infection. If not treated promptly, they may damage the cornea or inner eye structures.
Mechanical injury
This includes physical trauma from blows, accidents, or sports-related impact. Wind-borne debris and flying objects can also contribute to mechanical trauma.
Chemical injury
Exposure to strong acids or alkalis can cause irritation and damage to the front surface of the eye. Acid burns are usually self-limiting, while alkali injuries are often more severe and require urgent flushing with water followed by clinical evaluation.
Surgical complications
Inadequately healed wounds from previous eye surgery, particularly around the limbus, can lead to infection and secondary trauma.
Symptoms of Eye Trauma
If you’ve experienced any trauma to the eye, you may notice:
-
Red or bloodshot eyes
-
Swollen eyelids
-
Excessive tearing
-
Itching or burning sensations
-
Reduced vision or blurry vision
-
A feeling of heat or pressure in the eye
-
Light sensitivity
-
Eye discharge
-
Headaches
-
Hyphemia (blood inside the eye)
These symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the trauma. A detailed examination at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi is necessary to determine the extent of the injury.
Management of Eye Trauma
Treatment options depend on the type, cause, and severity of the trauma:
Chemical trauma
Immediate flushing of the eye with clean, running water is essential. Follow-up examination allows your optometrist to assess any damage to the front surface and initiate treatment.
Mechanical trauma
Depending on severity, cold or warm compresses may be applied. Topical NSAIDs and antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Foreign body trauma
Our optometrists will gently examine the eye and remove any foreign particles. Prompt removal prevents further damage and discomfort.
Medications and monitoring
Antibiotics, lubricants, and anti-inflammatory drops may be recommended. Eye pressure may be checked if trauma involves deeper structures of the eye to prevent conditions like glaucoma.
Preventing Eye Trauma
While not all accidents can be avoided, taking the following precautions can reduce your risk:
-
Wear safety goggles during activities that involve tools, chemicals, or sports
-
Keep sharp objects and harmful substances away from children
-
Use sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV and wind exposure
-
Avoid rubbing your eyes if something gets in—flush with water instead
-
Visit SpecSMART Eye Clinic for routine eye checkups with a licensed optometrist
Why Visit SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi?
SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi offers advanced care in diagnosing and treating all forms of eye trauma. Our professional optometrists take a comprehensive approach to ensure you receive the best possible care and vision outcomes. Whether you are experiencing an acute injury or require follow-up after an eye incident, we are here to support you with compassion and clinical precision.
FAQs
Can eye trauma heal on its own?
Minor injuries might, but it’s always best to consult an optometrist to avoid long-term complications.
Is it safe to treat eye trauma with home remedies?
No. Self-treatment can worsen the injury. Always seek care from trained professionals.
How fast should I seek help for eye trauma?
Immediately. Delaying treatment increases the risk of complications or permanent vision loss.
📍Contact SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi
SpecSMART Eye Clinic
Ikoyi Plaza, Keffi Street, Ikoyi. 📞0701 820 7486
📍 Learn More
Our 5 steps eye test process explained in more details