Trauma

Eye trauma is one of the major causes of loss of vision. Often people become blind due to absence of medical facilities and trained personnel. Any injury must be considered an emergency and treated promptly.

• Causes
• What sort of eye practices should I be wary of?
• Are there any steps that need to be taken before bringing the patient to a hospital?
• Preventive Measures

Causes

In the house

• Accidents while cultivating and harvesting crops
• Accidents while cutting and splitting firewood
• Burning particles flying from firewood
• Exposure to flames or steam while cooking
• Insect bite or sting
• Dust particles or foreign bodies falling in the eye

Industrial

• Metal particles 
• Burning particles
• Burns from flames or steam
• Facial lacerations
• Chemical burns

Accidents

• Broken glass from vehicles
• Injuries due to a fall
• Injuries to the eye from sharp or blunt objects

What sort of eye practices should I be wary of?

• Traditional eye medication, such as extracts from leaves or herbs, and human, urine or animal products. These can permanently damage the eye, leading to visual impairment and blindness.
• Self-medication of eye drops, without consulting a doctor.

Are there any steps that need to be taken before bringing the patient to a hospital?

Foreign body in the eye: Sometimes a foreign body - wings of insects, dust, ashes, metal particles and loose eyelashes - can become lodged under the eyelids. Avoid rubbing the eyes and remove the particle with a moist thin swab or the twisted corner of a handkerchief.

If the foreign body is not visible, cup some clean water in the hand and blink briskly in the water. The lashes of the lower lid usually dislodge the foreign body. If the problem persists apply a soft pad, shield the eye and rush to a hospital.

Chemical burns

• Do not rub the eye.
• Prompt first aid is essential.
• Immediately wash the face and the eye thoroughly.
• Pour water into the inner corner of the eye. Ensure that the chemical does not run into the other eye. Cover the eye with a dry and clean dressing and shield.

Eye injuries due to accidents

• Apply a soft pad, shield the eye and take the patient to a hospital immediately.

Preventive Measures

• Be aware about the dangers of self-medication and traditional but unverified practices.
• Do not visit unqualified medical practitioners.
• Keep medicines, acids, chemicals, hot foodstuffs and sharp objects away from children.
• Do not allow children to play with sharp objects like bow and arrow or gilli-danda.
• Use protective 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.