Kids and Eye Injuries: When to Seek Optometrist's Expertise

Eye injuries can pose a threat to a child's vision or eye health. An eye injury can be painful and can have severe consequences. Studies show that eye injuries among children account for more than 1.5 million visits to the emergency room annually. They can occur anywhere, including at home, in school, or on the playing field.
 

Common Eye Injuries 

Eye injuries occur when a child experiences trauma inside or around the eye. Common injuries include:

·         Eye bruising or swelling

·         Eye scratches or corneal abrasions

·         Corneal lacerations

·         Puncture wounds from foreign objects

·         Iris inflammation (traumatic iritis)

·         Bleeding in the eye (hyphema)

·         Chemical burns

Cause of Eye Injuries in Kids

Children tend to be susceptible to eye injuries as they are involved in play or sports regularly. Lack of awareness makes them vulnerable to injuries that are easily preventable. Eye injuries can be caused by head collisions, rough play, ball games, and contact sports. 
 

Other causes are fireworks, projectiles, household chemicals, sharp-pointed objects, hot water, and aerosols. Many children are injured when playing with toys or using office supplies and household tools. 

Signs of an Eye Emergency

It is vital to get emergency treatment if your child sustains an eye injury. Signs that your child needs emergency care include:

·         Bleeding in or around the eye

·         Pain or swelling

·         A burning sensation

·         Sudden vision changes

·         An object stuck in the eye

·         Changes in pupil size

·         Double vision or increased light sensitivity

·         Difficulty moving the eye

Do not diagnose or treat your child's eye injury at home. It could worsen the condition. Always seek urgent medical care, especially if there is blood. 

Preventing Eye Injuries 

There are things you can do to protect your child from eye injuries. Educating your child about the risk of eye injuries at home and school is essential. Store household chemicals, dangerous tools, and office supplies away from reach. 

Children should know that the kitchen is an area that has dangerous items. Keep your child away from objects, such as knives, heavy pots, and electrical appliances. Teach your child the benefits of wearing protective eyewear during sports activities and discourage behaviors like playing with fireworks. 

When to Seek Optometric Care

Minor eye injuries may not require emergency care, but you should schedule an eye exam. Minor symptoms may worsen without appropriate treatment. You should visit an eye doctor immediately if your child sustains an eye injury that leads to pain, bleeding, or trouble seeing.

If your child complains about vision changes or you notice signs of injury, contact your eye doctor. Most optometrists have numbers for use during emergencies. If you cannot reach your optometrist, visit an emergency room as soon as possible. 

If your child sustains a chemical injury, you should flush the eye immediately. Hold your child's face under a tap, allowing the running water to wash over the eye for about 15 minutes. Getting to the emergency room as soon as possible can help to save your child's eyesight. 

For more on kids and eye injuries and when to seek an optometrist's expertise, visit Merrick Avenue Optometry at our office in Merrick, New York. Call (516) 200-0241 to book an appointment today.