When Your Eye Is Injured, Prompt Evaluation Can Make All the Difference
Whether it’s a small metal speck during DIY work or a sports injury involving blunt force, eye trauma is something that should never be taken lightly. Even if the eye looks normal on the surface, deeper injuries may be present, and delaying treatment could lead to long-term complications, including vision loss.
At London Eye & Retina, we provide careful, evidence-based evaluation and management of eye injuries. If you’ve had an accident involving your eyes, it’s important to get assessed promptly, even if symptoms seem mild.
What Is an Ocular Injury?
Ocular trauma refers to any damage to the eye or surrounding structures (eyelids, orbit, conjunctiva, or cornea) due to physical force, foreign objects, or chemicals. Injuries can range from minor surface abrasions to sight-threatening complications.
Common causes include:
- Flying debris (e.g. wood, metal, dust)
- Blunt trauma (e.g. sports injuries, falls)
- Penetrating injuries (e.g. glass shards, sharp objects)
- Chemical exposure (e.g. industrial cleaners, acids)
- Thermal or radiation exposure
- Explosions or fire-related injuries
No matter how the injury occurs, the eye’s delicate structures must be carefully assessed to prevent delayed complications.
What Are the Common Symptoms?
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Some of the warning signs include:
- Eye pain or persistent discomfort
- Redness or irritation
- Tearing or light sensitivity
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Feeling like something is stuck in the eye (foreign body sensation)
- Swelling of the eyelid or around the eye
- Blood inside the eye (hyphaema)
- Flashes, floaters, or shadowing of vision (suggesting possible retinal involvement)
If you experience any of these symptoms following trauma, it is advisable to seek an urgent eye examination.
Types of Eye Injuries We See
Some of the more common eye injuries we manage at London Eye & Retina include:
- Corneal abrasions – surface scratches that can cause discomfort and light sensitivity
- Embedded foreign bodies – small particles stuck on or beneath the cornea or conjunctiva
- Blunt trauma injuries – such as hyphaema, lens dislocation, or retinal damage
- Penetrating injuries – may require surgical repair and urgent intervention
- Orbital fractures – affecting the bones around the eye
- Chemical injuries – requiring thorough irrigation and close monitoring
Each case is unique and should be evaluated with detailed imaging and retinal examination if needed.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
When you visit our clinic for an eye injury, we will carry out a comprehensive assessment that may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Slit-lamp examination to inspect the cornea, conjunctiva, and anterior chamber
- Eyelid eversion to check for hidden foreign bodies
- Fluorescein staining to highlight corneal abrasions
- Intraocular pressure check if indicated
- Dilated retinal exam to detect internal injuries such as retinal tears or bleeding
- Imaging (e.g. B-scan ultrasound or CT) for deeper or orbital trauma
This evaluation helps determine the severity of the injury and whether urgent intervention is needed.
How Are Eye Injuries Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of injury. Common interventions may include:
- Removal of foreign objects under local anaesthetic
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection
- Lubricating drops for minor abrasions
- Shielding and activity restriction for blunt trauma
- Surgical repair in the event of open-globe injuries or internal damage
- Close follow-up to monitor for delayed complications such as glaucoma or retinal detachment
At London Eye & Retina, we focus on safe, evidence-based management and ensure follow-up care to support your recovery.
Seek Help Promptly for Any Eye Trauma
Even seemingly minor eye injuries can result in serious complications if left untreated. If you’ve had an accident involving your eye or are experiencing pain, vision changes, or a foreign body sensation, don’t wait.
Book an urgent assessment at London Eye & Retina to ensure your eye is properly examined and cared for.
Trust Your Eyes to a Retinal Specialist in Singapore
