Blunt Trauma to the Eyes | National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month

Blunt trauma to the eye is one type of eye injury that can lead to vision problems, including vision loss. Blunt trauma involves force to the eye from an impact.

​Traumatic eye injuries affect people of all ages. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, in children, the most common cause of injuries is corneal scratches and blunt trauma.
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A variety of injuries can lead to blunt force trauma to the eye, including a fall, a fist, and sports. For example, a punch to the eye or getting hit with a baseball can lead to blunt trauma.
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Types of Blunt Force Eye Injuries

Any part of the eye or surrounding structures can be injured by a blunt force or impact, including the eyelid, eyeball, or bones surrounding the eye. In some cases, blunt force trauma to the eye can cause multiple injuries. The extent of the injury may vary greatly, depending on the nature, size, shape, material, and velocity of the blunt object coming in contact with the eye area.
 
Blunt force trauma injuries to the eyes can include:

• Lid Injury: An injury to the eyelid can involve lacerations (cuts) to the lid or tear ducts. Treatment may involve stitches to repair the cut. Eyelid injuries are often associated with injuries to the eyeball and should be evaluated by an eye doctor as soon as possible.
• Lens Dislocation: The lens of the eye is held in place by fibrous tissue. If a significant blow to the eye occurs, such as from a baseball bat, it can cause the lens to move out of position and become dislocated.
• Ruptured Globe: Blunt force trauma to the eye can cause a rupture of the eyeball. A ruptured globe is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate care. It often causes permanent vision loss.
• Orbital Fracture: Traumatic injuries from falls, sports, and car accidents can lead to fractures of the bones surrounding the eye. Tissues around the eye can become trapped in the fractured bone and may require surgery to prevent complications.

• Bleeding Inside the Eye: When the eye is hit, it compresses and retracts, which can cause blood to collect under the area that was hit. The condition is called hyphema. Hyphema can increase the pressure in the eye, which may cause irreversible vision loss.
  
• Retinal Detachment: Force to the eye may cause the retina to detach. Symptoms may include flashes of light and pain in the eye. A suspected detached retina requires immediate care.

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Signs of a Traumatic Eye Injury

Some traumatic eye injuries are obvious, and others are less clear. In some instances, the extent of the eye injury may not be known immediately. Delaying medical care can lead to complications and even vision loss. If you or a loved one sustain blunt trauma to the eye or the around the eye, it’s best to err on the side of caution and see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
 
Signs of a traumatic eye injury include:

• Red or inflamed eye
• Sudden loss or decrease in vision
• Loss of field of vision
• Blood in the white part of the eye
• Pain when moving the eye
• Cuts or torn eyelid
• One eye appears to stick out more
• Unusual pupil size

• Difficulty moving one eye

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Treatment of Blunt Eye Injuries

​An injury to the eye or surrounding area can cause permanent vision problems. The type of treatment needed varies depending on what part(s) and area(s) of the eye are injured and the severity of the injury. Not every eye injury is a true emergency. For example, the only treatment that may be necessary for minor injuries to the eye, such as a black eye from a sports injury, is applying a cold compress to the area to decrease swelling.
 
Keep in mind though, even a blunt force injury that seems minor could be worse than it appears. It’s best to seek professional medical help to assess the extent of the injury and determine the best course of action. In some cases, treatment may involve stitches or surgery to repair the damage.
 
Remember: If you sustain a traumatic eye injury, do not rub or apply pressure to the eye. If there is an object in the eye, do not try to remove it yourself. Protect the eye by gently placing the bottom of a paper cup over the eye to shield it from further injury until you get to the emergency room. Do not put anything in your eye either. The best thing you can do is get to your eye doctor immediately.
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Preventing Blunt Trauma to the Eyes

When it comes to eye injuries, prevention is always your best medicine. There are several things you can do to prevent trauma to the eye, including the following:

• Wear your seatbelt at all times in the car, whether you’re the driver or passenger.
• Use appropriate safety goggles at work.
• Wear protective eyewear when participating in high risks sports like hockey, boxing, basketball, and lacrosse. Any sport that involves a puck, stick, ball, or contact with other players can potentially lead to an eye injury. Sports protective eyewear should have ASTM F803-approved on the label.
• Do not let young children play with projectile toys, such as bows and arrows or darts.
• Wear safety glasses when playing with a pellet or paintball gun. Never point these types of guns at someone’s face.

• Eliminate hazards in your home that could lead to a fall.

 
Taking the right precautions can decrease your risk of blunt trauma to the eye. It’s worth the effort to protect your eyes and your vision.
 
If you have any questions about eye trauma, injuries, protection, or healthy or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.