Preventing and Treating Eye Injuries

By Marc Berry, MD

Maryland Eye Associates

. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

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Preventing and Treating Eye Injuries

The eye is one of the most vulnerable organs in the body. The cornea is made up of five distinct layers, the outermost being the epithelium. It is a clear covering and loosely adherent. This is a primary place abrasions occur. The cornea contains more nerve innervations (per surface area) than any other place in the body, so an abrasion here causes severe pain for the patient. Luckily these heal quickly.

Eye injuries account for a very significant number of ER visits, as well as visits to eye care professionals. These types of injuries often occur in the workplace, the home or while participating in sports. Some of the more common industrial injuries include, metallic foreign body, chemical and welder arc burns. Sports injuries include, blunt force trauma, ocular contusion, projectile injuries and scratches. Even some recreational activities to the exposed eye can cause injury, such as hair chemicals, steam, tanning lamps and direct sunlight.

It has been estimated that one thousand occupational eye injuries occur every day in the U.S. The National Safety Council estimates that job-related eye trauma costs amount to $300 million annually. This figure includes medical/hospital bills, worker's compensation and lost productivity. The most important fact is that 90% of all eye injuries are preventable, according to Prevent Blindness America.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Academy Of Ocular Trauma, there are 2.5 million eye injuries annually. Of these over 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision. Nearly half of these occur in people ages 18 to 45 and 73% are males.

Nearly half of all injuries occur at home, while 14% are sports related. Workplace injuries make up the rest. These types of injuries encompass a wide range of possibilities, from chemical burns to blunt force trauma. All needing prompt attention either from emergency room personnel or an ophthalmologist, this is a medical doctor specializing in the eye care.

Through public education and the appropriate use of safety equipment, a significant impact on the incidence of some injuries can be gained. The mandatory use of safety eyewear with side shield in the workplace, as well as face guards and protective goggles during sports would certainly reduce the incidences of traumatic eye injuries. Also, a thorough understanding of chemical reactions that may produce gas vapor that can be toxic to the ocular surface would prove beneficial to reduce caustic injuries.

Ultraviolet radiation, such as sunlight is absorbed by the lens of the eye and can lead to the formation of cataract through chemical change in the lens. It is therefore very important to protect the eyes from the sun, preferably with sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. The greatest percentage of solar UV exposure is thought to occur around midday or when the sun is at its peak, but protection should be considered with any sun exposure.

In summary, eye protection has become a national campaign that we now know can be achieved through education and compliance. The cost of eye trauma is staggering and the psychological impact of vision loss cannot be measured. If we all adopt a common sense approach with safe work place protocol, eye protection in sports and in the sun, we can all contribute to a reduction in eye injuries.