Management of Poke in the Eye

Introduction

Getting poked in the eye can occur because of a foreign object. Poke in the eyes can cause serious complications such as corneal abrasions. Eye poking is a painful condition, and it can cause permanent vision loss. Sometimes it can be self-inflicted, also caused by one’s fingers or make-up brush. These types of pokes are minor and are self-treated at home. Kids and teenagers are more prone to such injuries during sports or recreational activities. It can cause infections, lacerations, abrasions, and retain foreign bodies. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of surgery. It can develop at that time or later.

What Are the Risk Factors for Poking in the Eye?

The risk factors for getting poked in the eye depend on the specific situation, but some common risk factors include:

• Participating in contact sports such as basketball, football, or boxing without wearing proper protective gear.

• Engaging in activities that involve the use of pointed or sharp objects, such as gardening, construction work, or using tools.

• Being in close proximity to others who are engaging in activities that involve pointed or sharp objects, such as children playing with toys or people using cooking utensils.

• Not properly securing hazardous materials or equipment, such as chemicals or sharp tools, which can pose a danger to others.

• Being in an environment with low visibility or poor lighting, such as a dark room or a poorly lit stairway, can increase the likelihood of accidental eye injury.

• Being in a situation where there is a high risk of physical altercations, such as a crowded bar or club, where people may accidentally poke or hit someone in the eye.

How Is It Caused?

• It can occur when trauma occurs because of a fingernail, pen, or make-up brush.

• Injuries can occur from sports while playing volleyball, handball, or tennis.

• When foreign material such as sand or dust enters the eyes.

• Rubbing the eyes very hard can cause it.

• Unhygienic contact lenses.

• Eye infection.

• History of eye surgery and not wearing protective eyewear.

• Engaging in high-risk physical activity.

• When chemicals, lasers, and other irritants enter the eyes.

• It can be caused by ultraviolet injuries such as sunlight, sunlamps, and water reflections.

Acid - Acids can cause redness and burning but can be cleared easily.

Alkali - Alkalis are much more dangerous than acids because they do not cause immediate eye pain or redness as acids cause it. Examples of alkaline substances include ovens, toilet disinfectants, and dust or chalk.

Exposure to chemicals and burns is caused due to a splash of liquid in the eyes. It can occur because of friction in the eyes and the transfer of chemicals from the hands to the eyes or accidental hair spray in the eyes or other aerosols.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Poked Eyes?

• Pain in the eyes, especially during opening and closing of the eyes.

• Excessive watering of the eyes.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Blood in the eyes.

• Flickering lights.

• Black eyes (bruising around the eyes).

• Difficulty in opening the eyes.

• Too much discomfort in the eyes.

• The blurring of vision.

• Tearing of mucosa.

• Redness in the eyes.

• Problems with eye movement can be there.

• Changes in the appearance of eyes.

• Bleeding from eyes (subconjunctival hemorrhage).

• Swelling of the eyes.

• There will be increased susceptibility to infection from bacteria and fungi.

• Inflammation of colored parts of eyes (traumatic iritis).

• Serious injuries can also lead to permanent vision loss.

What Is the Treatment of Poked Eyes?

1. Maintain Hygiene - Wash hands with soap and do not rub the eyes.

2. Rinsing - Rinse the eyes with clean water or saline solution.

3. Cold Compress - Apply a cold compress such as ice to the eyes to relieve pain and swelling.

4. Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs - Pain relievers such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are advised to the patient.

5. Antibiotic Eye Drops - Antibiotic eye drops or ointment are required to cure the poked eyes.

6. Pulling of Lower Eyelid Over Upper Eyelid - Pull the lower eyelid over the upper eyelid; this will help manage the condition.

7. Symptomatic Treatment - Initial treatment is symptomatic consists of the removal of foreign body, and topical antibiotics can also be used.

8. Use of Protective Eyewear - Protective eyewear can prevent corneal abrasions such as spectacles.

9. Eye Patch - Cover the eyes with eye patches and allow them to rest.

How to Prevent a Poke in the Eyes?

• Wear protective eyewear.

• Blink the eyes many times.

• Clean the eyes with clear water or saline solution.

• Avoid rubbing the eyes because it can lead to more damage.

• Visit an ophthalmologist if the symptoms persist for a long duration of time.

• Do not wear contact lenses for some time.

• Store chemicals and disinfectants safely.

• Do not engage in activities that can lead to eye injuries.

• Be careful with fireworks.

• Wear sunglasses to prevent exposure to sunlight.

• Eliminate the objects that can fall on them.

Follow-up:

• Patients should be called for evaluation in 24 hours to check for corneal abrasion.

• Immunocompromised patients need closer attention and may also require earlier ophthalmologic consideration.

• Patients are referred to an ophthalmologist with serious eye injuries and foreign bodies that cannot be removed and managed independently.

• Refer patients with persistent or unresolved symptoms or worsening symptoms to a specialist.

• Patients who have a habit of wearing contact lenses should also be referred to an ophthalmologist, especially if there is no improvement in symptoms.

• Eyelids and eyelashes protect the eyes from injuries. The outcome of treatment varies with the injuries. It depends on the severity of the injury, the amount of injury, and the type of injury.

Conclusion

Wearing eye protection is important to prevent trauma to the eyes. Medical attention is required to cure the symptoms. Fewer complications are associated with early treatment. If the abrasion is not severe, symptoms will go away. Blinking the eyes several times will help in resolving the symptoms. Always visit an ophthalmologist if they find any risk associated with the same. If there is any eye injury, contact the eye doctor immediately, or one can visit the emergency room immediately for advice and treatment. If a patient wears a contact lens, it is advised to the patient to stop using time for the time being. The doctor will advise one to flush or wash the eyes with water or saline solution. In more serious situations, patients may require surgery.