Your eye relies on your eyelids and lashes to protect it. But because those aren’t particularly strong defensive layers, a lot of different injuries can affect your eyes. Whether you’re dealing with a scratched cornea, a chemical burn, or another issue, getting prompt treatment can play a critical role in protecting your vision.
That’s why our team here at Benjamin Optical offers eye injury treatment at all of our New York City offices. We have experience treating everything from chemical burns to eye bleeding and detached retinas. No matter what happened to your eye, our optical experts can help.
We also want to ensure you know the right steps to take before you get to our office. So here’s how you can begin to handle some of the most common eye injuries.
Corneal abrasion
If you scratched your cornea, do your best to avoid rubbing your eye. It will probably feel uncomfortable, but if the foreign object that scratched your cornea in the first place is still in your eye, rubbing could cause further damage.
Instead, blink several times. Look in a mirror or have someone else look in your eye to see if they can identify what caused the scratch. If you can see it, try to flush it out with water or eye drops.
The scratch on your cornea leaves you with a heightened risk for bacterial and fungal infections. Come see our team to ensure the problem doesn’t escalate.
Something penetrating your eye
If something has stuck in your eye, like a sharp stick or a fish hook, don’t try to remove it. You could worsen the damage by doing so.
Instead, tape something with room inside — like a paper cup or bowl — over your eye to prevent anything from bumping into the object in your eye. Then, seek emergency care. It’s important that an optical expert removes the foreign object as quickly as possible.
Chemicals in your eye
If you get something like cleaning products, chalk dust, or hairspray in your eye, find a water source immediately. A water fountain or garden hose can even work. If you have the option, turn on the tap with water that’s just a little bit warm.
Then, position your eye so the water can run into it. You want a steady stream, but you shouldn’t feel any pressure on your eye. Let the water run into your eye for 15 minutes.
If you have a phone nearby and are able, call to set up a visit to our office as you’re flushing your eye. We can tell you if you should take any additional steps based on the substance you got in your eye.
These are just a few examples, but we can help with virtually any eye injury. If you hurt your eye in any way, don’t wait to call any of our offices or book the earliest available appointment online.