Examination
Eye injuries can occur at any time. Our office is equipped to handle most eye injuries. The primary instrument we use is a biomicroscope, sometimes referred to as a slit lamp.

The biomicroscope has a high magnification and is particularly designed to aid us in evaluating the extent of an eye injury.

Other healthcare providers, such as pediatricians and urgent care physicians, do not usually have access to this equipment, so your optometrist is the best place to go for eye infections and injuries.

Embedded Foreign Bodies
A common injury is a metallic foreign body embedded in the cornea. Grinding or drilling in iron or other metals will release particles that are hot and when they hit the eye they embed themselves in the cornea. If it is iron, as in this example, it will immediately begin to rust due to the salty consistency of our tears. When the metal particle is removed, there is a remaining rust deposit that has infiltrated the surrounding cornea.

We have experience at removing corneal foreign bodies and the resultant rust ring. With proper medical treatment these injuries resolve without complication.

If the foreign particle was embedded in the central visual axis of the cornea, there may be a scar remaining which could effect the patients ultimate visual acuity. Safety glasses are always recommended to prevent these type of injuries.

Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion is a loss of superficial tissue from the front surface of the eye. This may result from a scratch of the ocular surface.

Corneal abrasions are typically associated with light sensitivity, an uncomfortable sensation that there is something in the eye, excess tearing, and discomfort. Treatments may include: a special bandage contact lens, an eye patch, preventative antibiotics, and lubrication.

The cornea has the ability to heal very quickly, and most corneal abrasions heal within 24-36 hours.”

After the “Corneal Abrasion” section, keep the photo you used for retinal trauma, and include this paragraph beside it: “Eye injuries can cause many other problems, including retinal hemorrhages, retinal tears or detachments, traumatic inflammatory reactions within the eye, and even glaucoma. In the event of an eye injury, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Our office offers 24 hour emergency service.