Eye Injuries

Each day there are hundreds of UK workers that have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. About one third of all eye injuries are needed to be treated at A&E with more than 10% of these resulting in more than one day of work lost because of it. Eye injuries can be caused by simple particles within the air, which would cause abrasions of the eye, to objects falling into them. It covers a broad range of possibilities, yet all can cause significant injury. After all, we only have two of them! Common Eye Injuries Some common eye injuries, such as a puncture wound from an accident could require immediate treatment or surgery to prevent permanent eye damage resulting in vision loss. Minor surface scratches may only need simply monitoring after an initial visit to the eye doctor to make sure complications such as eye infections occur. Common conditions associated with eye injury and trauma are:-  Scratched eye (Corneal Abrasion)  Penetrating or foreign objects in the Eye  Caustic Foreign Substances in the Eye (Chemical Burn)  Eye Swelling  Eye Bleeding  Traumatic Iritis Treating Eye Injuries Because eyes are so sensitive, all injuries to them should be treated as serious. The following is how to treat different types of eye injury :  For Wounds: Keep the eyes still to prevent further injury. Consider the use of an eye pad, there should be one available within the nearest first aid box. Make sure that you seek medical help, either your designated first aider or an ambulance.  For Foreign Bodies : Irrigate or lift out the material or object if it is small and if it is loose. DO NOT attempt if it is embedded in the eye. Pad and bandage the eye if it is possible to remove the object. Again you should seek medical help.  For Chemical Burns : Irrigate (rinse) with water or a sterile solution for at least 10 minutes. Work from the inside of the eye to the outside. Try to avoid splashing the eye. You should use an eye pad during transport. Make sure you seek medical help and be sure to pass on the details of the chemical in question to the paramedics / first aider. How can I prevent possible Eye Injury The first and most straightforward was of preventing eye injury is to ensure that, if you require it, you have suitable eye protection (PPE). If you have safety goggles / glasses, you should wear them at all times when you are working. You never know when something may spill into your eye or some particles irritate it. If you feel like you require eye protection for your job, ask your supervisor to see if you can acquire some. Keep your eyes protected.