Most of us don’t go through life wearing protective eyewear and, in fact, most eye injuries occur during everyday activities.

“The good news is that the eye is stronger than most people know, and most common injuries are treatable,” says Steven Rakes, MD, chairman, Ophthalmology, Park Nicollet Clinic—St. Louis Park.

What you can treat at home
Injuries stem from blows to the eye or eye socket, or foreign substances and objects entering the eye. Some minor injuries, such as the following, can be treated at home. It is always a good idea to see your doctor if you have visual changes or pain.

Minor hits to the eye may result in swelling and bruising, commonly referred to as a black eye. To reduce pain and swelling, keep your head elevated and apply ice packs to the eye area in 15-minute intervals, several times a day.

Foreign substances, such as soaps or lotions, may accidentally enter the eye. It’s important to flush the eye with cool water by placing it under a running faucet or shower.

Foreign objects, such as an eyelash, make-up, dirt or sand can easily enter the eye. Sometimes it may be necessary to lift an eyelid out of the way and gently flush the eye with water. Avoid rubbing the eye — it could irritate or scratch the eye surface.

Seek help for serious injuries
A severe blow to the eye, a splash from a caustic chemical, an object penetrating the eye’s surface, a cut or tear to the eyelid or an injury to the bony structure surrounding the eye all require medical attention.

“The eye surface is resistant to many superficial injuries,” says Dr. Rakes. However, sometimes a finger or tree branch may poke the eye, causing a corneal abrasion. These injuries require treatment from an ophthalmologist, who usually prescribes an antibiotic ointment. Other times, an object may penetrate the eye’s surface. “Once the eye’s outer surface is penetrated, the eye’s inner structures are affected, and they are very delicate,” he continues. You also should see an ophthalmologist if an eye injury causes lingering pain and decreased vision.

If a caustic chemical enters the eye, flush the eye with whatever water is available and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Take note of what splashed in your eye. “Most people think of acids as being more dangerous. However, alkalis, such as drain cleaners, can actually penetrate deeper into the eye,” says Dr. Rakes.

After flushing the affected eye, doctors usually treat chemical splashes with anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and lubricants. “These help get the eye on the road to recovery, but the eye has much to do to heal on its own, and it usually does a good job of that,” says Dr. Rakes.

What to expect from eye surgery
“Injuries stemming from severe blows to the eye often are treated surgically,” says Dr. Rakes. “But damaged nerves simply take time to heal. This is usually possible, as long as they haven’t been ripped or torn.”

Surgical eye or eyelid repair often requires the eye or lids to be sutured to speed healing. Even after a penetrating injury has healed, Dr. Rakes says the eye must be watched very carefully because it remains susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma and other diseases.

Eyes are frequently injured in car accidents. “When cheekbones, skull bones or nasal bones are broken, the fractures often affect the eyes. These injuries typically require a team approach, with the ophthalmologist being one of several team members,” explains Dr. Rakes. Many times the team will include a neurosurgeon, an ear-nose-throat surgeon and a plastic surgeon. “At Park Nicollet, we have the benefit of having this built-in team and an understanding of each other’s specialty.”

For more information on treating eye trauma or to schedule an appointment, call Park Nicollet Clinic at 952-993-3150 or visit parknicollet.com/eyecare.