Preventing, and Treating Eye Burns | Burn Awareness Week

Burns to and around the eyes can have a variety of causes and vary in severity. In some cases, burns can lead to permanent vision problems, including vision loss. 
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February 7th starts Burn Awareness Week. It is a reminder for all of us to take certain precautions to be aware and avoid burns to the eyes.  

Types of eye burns

There are a few different categories of eye burns. The type of burn often depends on what caused the burn. Below are the three main types of eye burns and their causes. 

Chemical burns

A chemical burn may occur when a substance gets into the eye. The substance can be a liquid, solid, or gas. Chemical burns can occur at home or on the job. Different chemicals, including acids or alkali substances, may lead to a burn. Examples of chemicals that may burn the eye include:

• Bleach
• Chlorine
• Fertilizers
• Cleaners
• Battery acid 

Burns may affect the eye itself and also the surrounding skin, such as the eyelid. Symptoms may include:

• Burning
• Redness
• Pain
• Blurry vision
• Watery eyes

Although the symptoms of a chemical burn to the eye may occur immediately, the severity of the injury may not be apparent for about 24 hours.

Treatment for a chemical burn to the eye includes flushing the eye with clean, cool water immediately. It is also essential to see an eye doctor to assess the burn. Even if you think it’s minor, it’s best to have it checked out. 
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Thermal burns

Thermal eye burns can affect any part of the eye and the skin around the eye. They can occur from any source of heat that comes in too close contact with the eye, such as hot water, a curling iron, or flame. Keep in mind, it’s common to blink when you get a thermal burn, which may also cause a burn injury to the eyelids.

Symptoms of a thermal burn may include:

• Swelling
• Increased tears
• Pain

Treatment for a thermal eye burn may vary depending on the extent of the injury. For example, treatment may include antibiotic eye drops, artificial tears, eye patches, and cool compresses to ease the pain. If the skin around the eye is burnt and the injury is severe, skin grafts may be needed.  
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Flash burns 

Flash burns to the eyes usually affect the cornea, causing inflammation. A flash burn to the eye can occur after exposure to a source of radiation. A majority of flash burns occur as a result of too much UV exposure from the sun.

Sunlight that reflects off water or the snow may also be more likely to lead to a corneal burn with prolonged exposure without eye protection. Corneal burns may also occur from sunlamps, tanning booths, and high-intensity light equipment.

Symptoms of a flash burn to the cornea include:

• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Watery eyes

Treatment often includes cool packs and artificial tears to ease discomfort. In some instances, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection.  
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Preventing eye burns

Most types of eye burns are preventable. Taking certain precautions can decrease your risk of most types of eye burns.

Consider the following tips:

• Use protective eyewear when working with chemicals that can burn the eyes.
• Wear sunglasses outside during the day, even on cloudy days.  
• Try to use fewer toxic chemicals to clean and disinfect.
• Avoid exposure to tanning beds and sun lamps.
• Use caution when lighting barbeque grills.
• Keep a safe distance from flames, such as campfires that can shoot up and burn the eyes.
• Use appropriate eyewear when working with high-intensity light tools, such as welding equipment.

If you have sustained an eye burn, it is best to see an eye doctor. Sometimes the seriousness of a burn to the eye may not be apparent at first. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.