Causes of Eye Injuries
The causes of eye injuries are varied and depend on factors such as environment, occupation, recreational activities, and personal habits. Eye injuries often occur suddenly and unexpectedly, but many can be prevented with basic safety measures.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries
1. Foreign Bodies
Tiny particles like sand, dust, metal shavings, or wood chips
Common in construction, metalworking, or gardening
Can cause scratches (corneal abrasions) or embed in the eye’s surface
2. Blunt Trauma
Caused by fists, balls, tools, or falls
Can result in:
Black eye (bruise)
Hyphema – bleeding inside the eye
Orbital fractures – break in the eye socket
Retinal detachment, in severe cases
3. Penetrating Injuries
Occur when sharp objects like scissors, knives, broken glass, or wires pierce the eye
These are medical emergencies requiring immediate surgery
4. Chemical Exposure
Household cleaning products, industrial solvents, or gardening chemicals
Acid or alkali burns can rapidly damage the eye’s surface and inner structures
Immediate irrigation is critical to reduce damage
5. Radiation and Light Injuries
Overexposure to UV light (e.g., welding without eye protection)
Sunlight reflected off snow or water (snow blindness)
Laser exposure or bright camera flashes (rarely harmful but irritating)
6. Thermal Burns
Caused by sparks, boiling water, or hot grease
Often seen in kitchens, industrial settings, or during fires
7. Sports-Related Injuries
Common in contact sports like rugby, boxing, basketball, or racquet sports
Often the result of accidental elbow strikes, ball impact, or flying equipment
8. Childhood Accidents
Toys, pencils, and small projectiles can easily injure children’s eyes
Many childhood eye injuries occur at home or school
High-Risk Environments | Causes of Eye Injuries
People working in construction, metalwork, laboratories, or agriculture face a higher risk. Using proper safety goggles and shields significantly reduces incidents.
Understanding the causes of eye injuries helps in both prevention and early action when injuries occur.
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