Three Types of Blunt Force Trauma to the Eye that Threaten Vision

Blunt trauma to the eyes sounds pretty bad, and it can be. According to BMJ Best Practices, about 1.6 million people worldwide are blinded by eye injuries, some of which are due to blunt trauma. Understanding what traumatic injury to the eye involves, and how it is treated, can help you be prepared in the event of an emergency. 

​What is Blunt Trauma? 

Blunt trauma to the eyes occurs due to sudden force placed on the eye from an impact. Different types of force can lead to blunt trauma. Common causes of blunt trauma include sport-related injuries, falls, and impact from a punch or car accident.
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Although anyone of any age can sustain different types of blunt trauma to the eye, certain types of trauma are more common in specific age groups. For instances, according to the Mayo Clinic, in young males, ocular trauma is most commonly caused by interpersonal violence. In adults that are a little older, car accidents or work-related injuries are common causes of eye trauma. In the geriatric population, eye injuries from falls are one of the leading causes of eye injuries. 
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Injuries from Blunt Trauma 

Various types of blunt trauma to the eye can occur, ranging from mild to vision threatening. Below are three types of blunt trauma to the eyes that are especially serious.

• Globe Rupture If the impact from the blunt force is severe enough, it can rupture the globe. This type of eye injury is an emergency and can lead to permanent vision loss, but quick treatment can save vision. Most often a globe rupture occurs after a penetrating injury to the eye, but if blunt force is significant enough, it can increase the intraocular pressure in the eye and rupture the globe.
  
  Symptoms of a globe rupture are usually obvious and include an eye deformity, vision loss, and pain. If a deformity is not obvious, a ruptured globe may not be the first thing suspected.
  
  People that sustain a ruptured globe should seek immediate medical care. They should also not place any pressure on the eye as they are transported to the emergency room. In the ER, a rigid eye shield may be placed while the patient waits for an eye exam. In some cases, anti-emetics, which prevent vomiting, may be given as a precaution. Vomiting can increase pressure in the eye and make the situation worse. Treatment for a ruptured globe typically involves surgical repair. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent an infection.

 

• Retinal Detachment Trauma to the eye can also be forceful enough to cause the retina to detach. Similar to the rupture of the globe, a retinal detachment is serious and can lead to blindness. Symptoms include pain and flashes of light. If you suspect you sustained a retinal detachment after a blow to the eye, get to the nearest emergency room. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye.

 

• Retrobulbar Hematoma In some cases, blunt trauma to the eye can damage the arteries in the eye. A retrobulbar hematoma can occur when there is damage to the optic artery that causes a large bleed. The hemorrhage leads to engorgement of the vessels and increased intraocular pressure. The condition can lead to vision loss. Fortunately, the condition is uncommon. Symptoms include vision loss, eye pain, and tight feeling eyelids. Similar to the other conditions above, a retrobulbar hematoma requires immediate medical care. 

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Preventing Blunt Trauma to the Eye 

There are things you can do to prevent blunt trauma to the eyes, including the following:

• Wear appropriate protective eyewear for sports and work-related activities.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Decrease tripping hazards in the home, such as loose carpets or electrical wires.
• Always seek professional medical care after sustaining blunt trauma to the eye. Even if you think an injury is not serious, it’s best to get checked out. Some injuries are subtle.

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We hope the suggestions above will prevent eye injuries and keep you healthy. Please call our office at 508-746-8600 with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. 
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