Eye Injuries
It is estimated that at least 90% of all eye injuries to children could be eliminated or reduced in severity if we recognize potential dangers, correct situations which might be hazardous to a child and pay close attention when supervising children.
Most eye injuries result from:
- toys used in an inappropriate manner or toys that have been altered
- falls from beds, stairs, tables, toys or other common household items
- misuse of everyday objects like kitchen utensils, pens, pencils, home maintenance and repair items and yard care items
- accidental exposure to harmful household cleaning products such as detergents, pesticides, glues and paints
- automobile accidents
- sports such as baseball, basketball and racquet sports
Recognizing Eye Injuries
Eye injuries that involve the following should be treated as a medical emergency and require immediate attention at a hospital or by an eye doctor.
- blurred vision that does not clear with blinking
- sharp stabbing or deep throbbing pain
- double vision
- cut or torn eyelid
- cut, scratched or punctured eye
- one eye that does not move as completely as the other
- one eye that protrudes as compared to the other
- abnormal pupil size or shape, as compared to the other
- blood in the eye