Eye Injury

DEFINITION

• Injuries to the eye, eyelid, and area around the eye

• The main concern is whether the vision is damaged.
• Older children can tell us if their vision is blurred or out of focus. Test them at home by covering each eye in turn and having them look at a distant object.
• Children less than 5 years old usually need to be examined to rule out serious injuries affecting vision even if the injury seems minor.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Foreign body present, see EYE, FOREIGN BODY

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR EYE INJURIES

1. Superficial Cuts or Scrapes:
   • Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. (Protect the eye with a clean cloth.)
   • Apply antibiotic ointment to cuts. Cover large scrapes with Band-Aid. Change daily.
2. Swelling or Bruises with Intact Skin (including a Black Eye):
   • Initially, apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the area for 20 minutes per hour to reduce the bleeding. Repeat for 4 consecutive hours.
   • A black eye usually takes 1 to 2 days to develop.
   • A flame-shaped bruise of the white of the eyeball is also common. (called a subconjunctival hemorrhage)
   • After 48 hours, apply a warm wash cloth for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood.
3. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
4. Expected Course: Both of these injuries are harmless, last about 2 weeks and cannot be helped by any medicine.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pain becomes severe
   • Changes in vision
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.