Ocular trauma means any injury to the eye or the tissues around the eye (eyelids, tear ducts, eye muscles, and the bony eye socket). The injury may be from a blunt hit, a sharp object, a foreign body (like metal or glass), chemicals, heat, electricity, or radiation (like intense ultraviolet light from welding). The damage can be minor and temporary (for example, a surface scratch) or severe and sight-threatening (for example, a ruptured eyeball). Doctors use practical systems to describe eye injuries. One widely used approach is to divide injuries into closed-globe injuries (the wall of the eye is intact) and open-globe injuries (there is a full-thickness wound of the cornea or sclera). This language helps teams communicate clearly and act fast. StatPearlsPMC
Ocular trauma means any injury to the eye or the tissues right around it (eyelids, eye socket, tear system). An injury can be mechanical (a poke, cut, or blow), chemical (acid/alkali splashes), thermal (burns), or radiation-related (UV from welding). Some injuries only scrape the clear front window of the eye (the cornea), while others cut through the wall of the eye (open-globe injury). A severe hit can bleed inside the front chamber (hyphema), shake or detach the retina, fracture the eye socket (orbital fracture), or inflame the iris (traumatic iritis). Immediate first aid and fast specialist care are critical because delayed treatment can lead to infection, scarring, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or permanent vision loss. In chemical injuries, nonstop rinsing right away can be the difference between full recovery and lasting damage. AAOPMCMedscape
Eye trauma is a major cause of vision loss worldwide. It happens at work, at home, during sports, on the road, and in assaults. Prevention—especially protective eyewear—can stop many injuries before they happen. CDCAAO
Types of ocular trauma
Closed-globe injury (eye wall intact)
Contusion: a bruise from a blunt hit (ball, fist, airbag). Can cause internal bleeding (like hyphema—blood in the front chamber), swelling, or damage to the retina or lens.
Lamellar laceration: a partial-thickness cut that does not go through the full eye wall.
These are “closed” because the eye’s outer coat is not fully pierced. StatPearls
Open-globe injury (full-thickness wound of the eye wall)
Rupture: the eye splits from blunt force (pressure bursts the wall at its weakest point).
Laceration: a cut from a sharp object; subtypes include penetrating (one entrance wound), perforating (entrance and exit wounds), and intra-ocular foreign body (IOFB, a fragment is stuck inside the eye).
These injuries are emergencies and need urgent specialist care. MRI is avoided if a metal foreign body is possible; CT is usually the first imaging test. NCBIAAO
Adnexal injuries (around the eye)
Cuts to the eyelids, injuries to the tear drainage (canalicular) system, and orbital fractures (breaks in the eye socket bones, such as blowout fractures) often travel with eye trauma and can threaten eye function. CT helps confirm these. PMCSurface injuries
Corneal abrasion: a scratch on the clear front window of the eye that causes sharp pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Fluorescein dye makes the scratch glow green under blue light.
Corneal/Conjunctival foreign body: particles stuck on the surface.
These are common and usually heal, but they need proper assessment. NCBIAAFP
Chemical burns (alkali or acid)
Chemicals can burn the eye surface quickly. Alkali (like ammonia or lye) penetrates deeply and is especially dangerous. Immediate, copious irrigation and pH testing save tissue and vision. AAOEyeWikiThermal burns
Heat (flames, hot liquids, steam) can burn eyelids and the ocular surface. Rapid cooling, assessment, and protection are important. (Severe burns need specialist care; exact steps depend on extent.)Radiation/UV injury
Welder’s flash (photokeratitis) and snow blindness are sunburns of the cornea from intense UV light. They cause delayed severe pain and light sensitivity and show fine punctate fluorescein staining. AAFPInternal/secondary injuries from blunt trauma
Examples include hyphema, traumatic iritis (anterior uveitis), lens dislocation, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal tears/detachment, and optic nerve injury. These can threaten vision and may present hours to days later. NCBI+1
Types
Corneal abrasion – a scratch of the corneal surface that hurts, tears, and causes light sensitivity.
Corneal laceration – a cut through the cornea; if full-thickness it’s an open globe emergency.
Open-globe (ruptured/penetrating/perforating) injury – the eye wall is violated; treat like a surgical emergency and protect the eye with a hard shield.
Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) – something is stuck inside the eye (metal, wood, glass).
Hyphema – blood settles in the front chamber after blunt trauma.
Traumatic iritis (anterior uveitis) – inflammation of the iris and ciliary body after a hit.
Chemical burn (alkali/acid) – alkali burns are often more destructive; irrigate immediately and check eye pH until normal.
Thermal burn – heat injury from flame, steam, or hot objects.
UV keratitis – “welder’s flash” from UV without eye protection.
Orbital fractures (blowout/roof/floor) – broken bones of the eye socket, sometimes trapping eye muscles.
Eyelid lacerations – cuts that may involve the tear drainage system.
Retrobulbar hemorrhage / orbital compartment syndrome – bleeding behind the eye causing dangerous pressure (needs urgent decompression).
Lens dislocation – the lens shifts after a strong blow.
Traumatic cataract – the lens turns cloudy after injury.
Vitreous hemorrhage – bleeding into the eye’s gel.
Retinal tears/detachment – the retina splits or peels away—urgent surgery prevents vision loss.
Optic nerve trauma – damage to the nerve cable carrying vision signals to the brain.
Radiation injury – UV/ionizing radiation damage.
Electrical injury – rare but serious; can damage many eye structures.
Firework injuries – high-energy burns, lacerations, and blast damage. AAO+1EyeWiki+2EyeWiki+2
Common causes
Sports balls and collisions (basketball, baseball, cricket): fast objects and elbows hit the eye. Protective sports eyewear prevents most serious injuries. AAO+1
Racquet sports and hockey sticks: long, fast sticks or racquets swing into the eye area. Goggles or visors lower the risk. AAO
Paintball and airsoft/BB guns: high-velocity pellets can rupture the globe. Full-seal masks are essential. PMC+1
Fireworks: blasts and shrapnel cause burns, lacerations, and ruptures—often in bystanders and children. Avoid home fireworks; keep distance and use shields. AAO+1
Workplace projectiles (metal, wood, glass, cement): grinding, drilling, hammering send shards into eyes. Use ANSI/EN-rated safety eyewear or face shields. CDC+1
Chemicals at work or home (cleaners, cement, bleach, ammonia, battery acid): cause alkali/acid burns; irrigate immediately and check surface pH until neutral. AAO
Road traffic crashes: shattered glass, airbags, dashboards cause blunt and penetrating injuries. Seatbelts and airbags help but can also injure; eye shields after injury are important. (General epidemiology supports traffic as a common cause.) PMC
Assaults and fights: fists and objects cause blunt trauma, orbital fractures, and ruptures; common in young adult males. PMC
Falls: common cause in older adults and women; edges and furniture can strike the eye. The New Zealand Medical Journal
Agricultural injuries: branches, thorns, wire, and soil cause lacerations and infections (including fungal). Eye protection is often lacking. The New Zealand Medical Journal
Welding and UV exposure: inadequate shields cause photokeratitis (severe light sensitivity and pain hours later). AAFP
Home repairs/DIY: drills, grinders, and nails eject fragments into eyes when goggles are skipped. (NIOSH advises protective eyewear for such tasks.) CDC
Explosions/blasts: pressure, debris, and burns can combine to cause complex injuries (industrial accidents, battery explosions). (General guidance favors shields and immediate assessment.) CDC Archive
Power tools: sawdust, metal chips, and fragments enter the eye at speed; goggles and shields reduce injuries. CDC
Household cleaners and adhesives (e.g., superglue): chemical irritation and glued eyelids; do not forcibly pull apart; seek medical care.
Contact lens misuse: sleeping in lenses or poor hygiene can lead to corneal abrasions and ulcers after minor trauma. (Clinical reviews emphasize this preventable cause.) AAO
Children’s toys and projectiles: darts, Nerf-type blasters, and slingshots can injure unprotected eyes. (Pediatric safety messages echo eye protection.)
Foreign bodies from wind or storms: dust and grit scratch the cornea; rubbing makes it worse.
Animal scratches: cats and birds can scratch the cornea or eyelids; treat promptly to prevent infection.
Workplace infection/chemical splashes in healthcare and labs: fluids and disinfectants can hit the eye; goggles/face shields are required. CDC
Common symptom
Eye pain – sharp or aching pain after impact, scratch, chemical splash, or internal pressure changes. Severe pain with vision loss is an emergency. AAFP
Redness – inflamed, bloodshot eye from surface injury or deeper inflammation. AAFP
Tearing (watering) – the eye reflexively makes tears to flush out irritants or soothe a scratch. AAFP
Light sensitivity (photophobia) – bright light hurts; common with corneal abrasion, uveitis/iritis, and UV burns. NCBIAAFP
Blurred or reduced vision – from corneal damage, internal bleeding, swelling, retinal problems, or lens dislocation. Any vision drop after trauma needs urgent care. AAFP
Foreign-body sensation (gritty feeling) – feels like sand in the eye; typical of corneal abrasions and surface debris. AAFP
Visible blood in the eye (hyphema) – a reddish layer in front of the iris; may cause pain and blurred vision. This is an emergency. NCBI
Headache, nausea, or vomiting – can occur with raised eye pressure or severe injury; vomiting can worsen an open globe, so shield the eye and keep still until evaluated. AAFP
Double vision (diplopia) – can indicate eye muscle entrapment after an orbital fracture or misalignment from nerve injury. PMC
Flashes and floaters – may signal retinal tear or detachment after blunt trauma and needs prompt dilated exam. AAFP
Loss of part of the visual field – a “curtain” or dark area suggests retinal detachment or bleeding; urgent evaluation is needed. AAFP
Distorted pupil shape (teardrop pupil) – can point toward a penetrating corneal injury or iris damage; assume open globe until proven otherwise. Eyes On Eyecare
Eyelid swelling and bruising – common in blunt trauma; look for hidden lacerations and foreign bodies. AAFP
Decreased color vision or “washed-out” reds – may signal optic nerve involvement. AAFP
Haloes around lights – can occur with corneal swelling or acute pressure rises. (Seen in certain acute conditions affecting the cornea and angle.) UVA School of Medicine
Diagnostic tests
A) Physical exam
Visual acuity (VA)
Reading letters on a chart (or counting fingers/light perception if vision is very low) is the vital sign of the eye. It must be checked in every eye complaint, ideally before drops. It guides urgency and prognosis. AAFPPMCPupil exam and RAPD (swinging-flashlight test)
Check size and reactivity of pupils. A relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) points to optic nerve or severe retinal injury. (Standard components in acute eye assessment.) AAFPExtra-ocular movements (EOMs)
Ask the patient to follow a target in all directions. Pain or restricted movement suggests muscle entrapment (e.g., blowout fracture) or nerve injury. PMCConfrontation visual fields
Quick bedside screen for missing portions of the visual field from retinal or optic pathway injury. AAFPExternal inspection & eyelid eversion
Look for lacerations, swelling, foreign bodies, and hidden debris under the lids (turning the lid with a cotton bud). This prevents missed scratches and persistent irritation. AAFPSlit-lamp examination (biomicroscopy) of the anterior segment
This microscope exam shows the cornea, conjunctiva, anterior chamber, and iris in detail. It detects abrasions, lacerations, hyphema, cells/flare, and more. Taming the SRU
B) Manual/bedside tests
Fluorescein staining under cobalt blue light
A safe dye highlights corneal scratches (they glow green). It is a core tool for abrasions and surface injuries. NCBIAAFPSeidel test (for leaks in the eye wall)
A strip of fluorescein is applied gently; if aqueous humor leaks, the dye pattern streams and changes color—this is positive Seidel and suggests an open wound. Avoid if the globe obviously looks ruptured. This is an emergency finding. NCBIStatPearlsColor vision testing (e.g., Ishihara plates or red desaturation)
Washed-out reds or plate errors can suggest optic nerve involvement after trauma. AAFPCover–uncover and alternate cover tests
These reveal misalignment that can follow trauma (nerve palsy, muscle entrapment). They help explain diplopia. AAFP
C) Laboratory & pathological tests
Ocular surface pH testing (chemical burns)
Right after irrigation for chemical exposure, clinicians check pH and continue irrigation until the surface pH is neutral. This is time-critical. AAOComplete blood count and coagulation profile
Helpful when bleeding is significant, surgery is planned, or infection is suspected; also supports overall trauma care. (Common peri-operative labs in ocular trauma.) EyeWikiSickle cell testing (trait/disease) when hyphema is present
People with sickle cell trait or disease can develop dangerously high pressure even with small hyphemas; identifying them changes management and thresholds for intervention. MedscapeCorneal scrapings for Gram stain/culture (when infection is suspected)
Surface lacerations or foreign bodies with contamination may need microbiology to guide antibiotics. (Standard infectious cornea practice.) RACGP
D) Electrodiagnostic tests
Visual Evoked Potential (VEP)
Measures the brain’s electrical response to visual stimuli; helps assess optic nerve pathway function when the exam is limited or the diagnosis is uncertain after trauma. PMCElectroretinography (ERG)
Assesses overall retinal function; useful when media are opaque (blood, cataract) or when retinal damage is suspected after trauma. PMCElectro-oculography (EOG)
Evaluates retinal pigment epithelium/photoreceptor interaction; occasionally used to characterize retinal dysfunction after injuries. PMC
E) Imaging tests
CT scan of the orbits (non-contrast)
The first-line imaging in many traumas. It detects orbital fractures, IOFBs, altered globe contour, and deep hemorrhage. CT is preferred when a metal fragment is possible. NCBIAAOOcular ultrasound (B-scan) — only if open globe is ruled out
Ultrasound can show retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and foreign bodies when the view is blocked. It is relatively contraindicated if a globe rupture is suspected because pressure on the eye can push tissue out. NCBIOptical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
A non-contact scan of the retina or cornea that reveals macular holes, retinal swelling, subtle detachments, and anterior segment injuries after trauma once the eye is stabilized. (Widely used to characterize internal damage after initial assessment.) Radiopaedia
Non-pharmacological treatments
Immediate eye protection with a rigid shield (not a patch) if you suspect open globe; do not press the eye. Purpose: prevent extrusion of contents. Mechanism: hard barrier. AAFP
Do not remove a deeply embedded object; stabilize and get urgent surgical help. Purpose: avoid catastrophic bleeding/rupture.
Chemical injury: copious irrigation now with any safe liquid you have (sterile saline best) and keep checking pH until normal. Purpose: dilute and wash out the chemical. Mechanism: restores surface pH, limits tissue penetration. Medscape
Morgan lens–assisted irrigation if available to keep fluid flowing under the lids during transport. Purpose: hands-free continuous rinsing. Mechanism: distributes irrigant evenly. Morgan Lens
Remove contact lenses immediately after a splash or abrasion (throw them away). Purpose: reduces infection risk.
Eyelid eversion and gentle irrigation for superficial foreign body. Purpose: flush debris.
Rest in a head-elevated position (especially with hyphema). Purpose: lets blood settle away from the cornea and reduces pressure.
Cold compresses for blunt trauma swelling. Purpose: vasoconstriction reduces edema and pain.
Avoid nose-blowing after orbital fractures for 4–6 weeks. Purpose: prevents air tracking into the orbit (orbital emphysema). EyeWiki
Activity restriction (no heavy lifting/straining) for hyphema and open-globe repairs. Purpose: prevents re-bleed/pressure spikes. AAO
Eye patching is not helpful for simple abrasions and may delay healing—avoid it. Purpose: keep binocular vision and airflow to heal. PubMedNIHR Evidence
Bandage contact lens (BCL) may be used by specialists for large, sterile abrasions; avoid in contact-lens-related or contaminated injuries. Mechanism: reduces pain and shields epithelium. EyeWiki
NPO (nothing by mouth) if surgery is likely (open globe). Purpose: safe anesthesia. EyeWiki
Tetanus prophylaxis per CDC after significant wounds. Purpose: prevent tetanus toxin disease. Mechanism: active/ passive immunization based on history and wound. CDC+1
Protective eyewear counseling for work/sports; ANSI-rated goggles for impact tasks. Purpose: primary prevention.
Welding shields/UV protection to prevent photokeratitis. Purpose: blocks UV.
Lid taping to close exposure wounds temporarily if the eyelids can’t close (e.g., facial nerve palsy) until definitive care.
Avoid topical anesthetics at home despite pain relief—they delay healing and can melt the cornea. Mechanism: epithelial toxicity and abuse risk. AAOPMC
Avoid tonometry and avoid ultrasound when you suspect an open globe. Purpose: prevent pressure on a ruptured eye. AAFPNCBI
Patient education and close follow-up (24–48 h for most non-trivial abrasions; sooner if contact-lens-related). Purpose: catch infection/complications early. AAFP
Drug treatments
Topical antibiotic for simple abrasion – Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 0.5%: apply ~½-inch ribbon to the lower lid 4×/day for 3–5 days (lubricates and prevents bacterial overgrowth). Side effects: mild blur after application. NCBI
Topical antibiotic for contact-lens–related abrasion – Fluoroquinolone drops (ciprofloxacin 0.3% or ofloxacin 0.3%): 1–2 drops q2–4h for 24–48 h, then QID until healed to cover Pseudomonas. Side effects: transient sting; rare allergy. AAFPNCBI
Cycloplegic for traumatic iritis or painful spasm – Cyclopentolate 1% 1 drop TID or Homatropine 2–5% BID–TID to relax the ciliary muscle and iris; reduces pain and prevents synechiae (iris sticking). Side effects: blurred near vision, light sensitivity. EyeWiki+1
Topical corticosteroid (specialist-directed) – Prednisolone acetate 1% QID, tapered with improvement for traumatic iritis or hyphema to calm inflammation; monitor eye pressure carefully. Side effects: pressure rise, delayed healing, infection risk. Do not use steroids in simple abrasions unless directed. AAONCBI
Topical NSAID for pain – Ketorolac 0.5% or diclofenac 0.1% QID for up to 48 h can reduce pain and oral analgesic use without delaying healing in most cases; stop if epithelium worsens. Side effects: sting, rare epithelial toxicity. Wiley Online LibraryPMC
Oral analgesics – Acetaminophen or oral NSAIDs for corneal abrasion pain; avoid NSAIDs in hyphema due to bleeding risk (use acetaminophen instead). Side effects: per drug profile. AAO
Antiemetic – Ondansetron 4–8 mg PO/IV q8h PRN to suppress vomiting in suspected open globe (straining raises eye pressure). Side effects: constipation, QT risk with other drugs. AAFP
Open-globe systemic antibiotics (hospital) – Vancomycin IV (≈15 mg/kg) plus Ceftazidime IV (2 g q8h) for broad coverage against post-traumatic endophthalmitis until surgery/definitive plan. Side effects: drug-specific; monitor renal function. PMC
IOP-lowering agents when indicated – Timolol 0.5% 1 drop BID, Acetazolamide 250 mg PO QID or 500 mg ER BID short-term if eye pressure spikes after trauma (not in suspected open globe; avoid in sickle cell where carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may worsen acidosis—specialist decides). Side effects: bradycardia (timolol), paresthesias/metabolic acidosis (acetazolamide). NCBI
Antibiotic ointment after superficial foreign body removal – as in #1 or antipseudomonal drop if the foreign body involved metal/soil or contact lenses. Purpose: prevent infection while epithelium heals. NCBI
Important cautions:
• Do not send patients home with topical anesthetic drops. They delay healing and can destroy the cornea. AAO
• Avoid eye patching for simple abrasions. It doesn’t speed healing. PubMed
• Tetanus prophylaxis follows CDC wound rules (Tdap/Td booster and TIG when indicated). CDC
Dietary molecular supplements
Nutrition supports collagen building, surface repair, and immune balance. Typical adult doses are shown; always consider other conditions and medicines.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 500–1000 mg, 1–2×/day orally; in severe chemical burns, ophthalmologists may prescribe higher short-term doses and even topical ascorbate. Function: collagen synthesis; antioxidant. Mechanism: cofactor for collagen cross-linking and reduces oxidative damage; supports corneal epithelial healing. MedscapePMC+1
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA fish oil) – 1000–2000 mg/day EPA+DHA. Function: anti-inflammatory, may improve tear film and ocular surface symptoms during recovery. Mechanism: shifts eicosanoids toward resolving inflammation. Evidence is mixed but supportive in many trials. CochranePMC
Vitamin A – diet first (liver, sweet potato, greens); supplement only if deficient (typical multivitamin levels). Function: maintains ocular surface and mucin production. Mechanism: supports epithelial differentiation. (Avoid mega-doses; teratogenic in pregnancy.) ScienceDirect
Zinc – 15–30 mg elemental/day short-term if diet is poor. Function: cofactor in wound healing enzymes. Mechanism: supports epithelial repair and immune function. (Watch for copper deficiency with long-term high doses.) PMCBMJ Nutrition
Lutein + Zeaxanthin – 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day via diet or supplements to bolster retinal/ocular antioxidant capacity during recovery and beyond. Mechanism: macular pigment/blue-light filtering; antioxidant. PMC
Protein/essential amino acids – aim for 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day total protein (food or medical nutrition) to support tissue repair. Function: provides building blocks for healing. (General wound-healing principle.)
Vitamin E – 100–200 IU/day from food or modest supplements to support antioxidant defenses; avoid high doses if on anticoagulants.
Copper – 1–2 mg/day if supplementing zinc >30 mg/day to maintain balance in collagen synthesis.
Vitamin D – replete deficiency per lab testing (often 800–2000 IU/day). Function: immune modulation.
Hydration + electrolytes – simple but crucial; dehydration concentrates tears and may worsen surface discomfort.
Note: Supplements are adjuncts. Severe chemical burns sometimes use topical citrate and doxycycline (a prescription antibiotic) to reduce corneal melting by inhibiting matrix-metalloproteinases; these are medical treatments, not over-the-counter supplements. EyeWiki
Regenerative / immuno-modulating options
Topical Vitamin C (ascorbate 10%) in severe alkali burns – frequent drops early on to support collagen and reduce ulceration. Mechanism: cofactor for collagen; quenches oxidative injury. Dose/frequency is specialist-directed. Medscape
Topical Citrate (10%) for chemical burns – chelates calcium and reduces neutrophil-driven tissue breakdown (helps limit corneal “melting”). Specialist use. EyeWiki
Oral Doxycycline 100 mg BID (short-term) – not for infection here but to inhibit matrix-metalloproteinases; helps stabilize the cornea in severe surface injury. Avoid in pregnancy/young children. EyeWiki
Autologous Serum Eye Drops (20–50%) – patient’s own serum processed into drops QID–Q6× daily to bathe the surface with growth factors; used for persistent epithelial defects and severe dryness after trauma. PMC+1
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops – concentrated platelet growth factors QID–Q6× daily; early studies show improved comfort and epithelial healing in difficult cases. PMC+1
Cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor 0.002%) – 1 drop 6×/day for 8 weeks for neurotrophic keratitis (numb cornea that won’t heal), including post-trauma nerve damage. Mechanism: regenerates corneal nerves and epithelium. Side effects: eye pain, inflammation, increased tearing. OXERVATE® (cenegermin-bkbj)NCBI
Biologic/surgical adjunct: Amniotic membrane graft (placed on the eye surface) supplies a basement membrane and anti-inflammatory factors to promote healing in severe surface injury and chemical burns. It’s a procedure, but often discussed alongside regenerative therapies. NCBI
Surgeries
Primary open-globe repair – the surgeon sutures corneal/scleral cuts, removes devitalized tissue, and seals the eye, ideally within 24 hours to lower infection (endophthalmitis) risk. Why: restore eye integrity and vision potential. IV antibiotics cover until repair. EyeWikiPMC
Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for intraocular foreign body or vitreous hemorrhage – small ports are placed to remove the eye’s gel, extract the object, repair retinal tears, and control bleeding; a gas or oil may hold the retina. Why: remove toxic/contaminated material and fix retinal damage. PMC
Retinal detachment repair – scleral buckle, vitrectomy, or combined approach chosen by the retina surgeon based on tear location and lens status. Why: reattach the retina to prevent permanent vision loss. EyeWikiAAO
Lateral canthotomy/cantholysis for orbital compartment syndrome – a bedside cut at the outer eyelid corner to release pressure and save the optic nerve when the orbit fills with blood. Why: prevents irreversible vision loss; time-critical. AAONCBI
Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) or limbal stem cell-based procedures (e.g., SLET) for severe ocular surface damage and non-healing defects. Why: provide a biologic scaffold and, when needed, replenish stem cells that regenerate the corneal surface. NCBI
Key prevention strategies
Wear ANSI-rated eye protection for grinding, cutting, yard work, and chemical handling.
Use welding shields and UV-blocking eyewear for welding/sun exposure.
Store chemicals safely; label clearly and never mix cleaners.
Open containers away from your face; use splash shields and gloves.
Sports goggles for racquetball, squash, baseball, cricket, and basketball.
Firework safety – best prevention is not handling them; if you do, keep a large distance and wear protection.
Contact lens hygiene – no sleeping in lenses unless approved; replace on schedule; never swim or shower in them.
Machine guards and proper training at work.
Childproof chemicals and sharp objects at home.
Stay current on tetanus boosters per national schedule. CDC
When to see a doctor
Go to emergency care immediately if you have: a high-energy hit, a cut to the eye, chemical splash, sudden loss of vision, a visible blood level in the front of the eye (hyphema), something stuck in the eye, bulging eye with severe pain, or new flashes/floaters with a curtain over vision. Do not press on the eye; tape on a rigid shield and keep NPO if surgery is likely. EyeWiki
Within 24 hours for most moderate abrasions, contact-lens-related injuries, persistent pain, or reduced vision. AAFP
What to eat and what to avoid
Prioritize protein at each meal (fish, eggs, legumes, dairy, lean meats) to supply building blocks for tissue repair.
Vitamin-C-rich produce daily (citrus, kiwi, guava, bell peppers, broccoli) to support collagen. PMC
Orange/green vegetables (sweet potato, spinach, kale) for vitamin A and carotenoids that support the surface and retina. ScienceDirect
Omega-3 fish (salmon, sardines, hilsa) twice weekly or consider fish-oil supplements if advised. Cochrane
Zinc sources (beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, seafood) in normal amounts to aid healing. PMC
Hydrate well—adequate fluids keep tears comfortable.
Limit alcohol (slows wound healing).
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke (impairs blood flow and collagen).
Go easy on ultra-processed, very salty, or very sugary foods that worsen inflammation and swelling.
Avoid megadoses of supplements unless your doctor recommends them—more is not always better, and some interact with medicines (e.g., high-dose fish oil with anticoagulants).
FAQs
1) Do I patch a scratched eye?
No. Patching simple abrasions doesn’t improve pain or healing and can make daily functioning harder. Use lubrication, pain control, and antibiotics when indicated. PubMed
2) Can I use the leftover numbing drops the ER used?
No. Home use of topical anesthetics can delay healing and even melt the cornea. Use oral pain relievers or short-course topical NSAIDs if your clinician recommends them. AAO
3) I splashed a chemical—what do I do first?
Start immediate irrigation with any safe fluid (saline, clean tap water) for minutes, not seconds, then keep irrigating in the ER until the eye’s pH is normal. Remove contacts early. Medscape
4) When do I need antibiotics for a scratch?
Most clinicians give a simple topical antibiotic ointment for comfort and infection prevention; contact-lens–related abrasions need antipseudomonal coverage (e.g., fluoroquinolones). AAFP
5) Are topical NSAID drops safe for corneal abrasion pain?
Short-term use (up to 48 hours) can meaningfully reduce pain and oral pain-pill use without delaying healing in most studies; stop if the surface worsens. Wiley Online Library
6) I have blood in the front of my eye (hyphema). What now?
Head elevation, shield, rest, and close ophthalmology follow-up. Avoid aspirin/NSAIDs (bleeding risk). Cycloplegics and sometimes steroids are used under supervision. AAO
7) What is an open-globe injury and why is it urgent?
It means the eye wall is cut or ruptured. The priorities are shield, antiemetic/analgesia, IV antibiotics, no pressure, and rapid surgical repair (ideally within 24 h). PMC
8) Should I blow my nose after an eye socket fracture?
No—avoid nose-blowing for weeks to prevent air forcing into the orbit (orbital emphysema). EyeWiki
9) Can I check eye pressure or do ultrasound after a severe injury?
Not if you suspect an open globe—avoid pressure of any kind. CT orbits is the usual imaging; ultrasound is for closed-globe problems only. NCBIAAO
10) Do I need a tetanus shot for an eye injury?
If the wound is significant or contaminated and your booster isn’t up to date, follow CDC wound management guidance (Tdap/Td; TIG for certain dirty wounds in under-immunized people). CDC
11) What is traumatic iritis?
Inflammation of the iris after a hit. It causes deep aching and light sensitivity. Doctors use cycloplegics and often topical steroids with close monitoring. EyeWiki
12) How are chemical burns prevented from “melting” the cornea?
Beyond irrigation, specialists may use topical ascorbate/citrate and oral doxycycline to support collagen and inhibit destructive enzymes. EyeWiki
13) What are autologous serum or PRP eye drops?
They’re made from your own blood (serum or platelet-rich plasma) and contain growth factors that can help stubborn surface defects heal when standard therapy fails. PMC+1
14) What surgeries save vision after trauma?
Open-globe repair, vitrectomy for intraocular foreign bodies/bleeding, retinal detachment repair, and emergency lateral canthotomy for compartment syndrome. PMCAAO
15) How soon should I follow up after a corneal abrasion?
Small, uncomplicated abrasions can heal in 24–48 h; others—especially contact-lens-related or >4 mm—should be rechecked within 24 h. AAFP
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The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: August 17, 2025.
