Immediate, Expert Care for Workplace-Related Eye Trauma
From construction sites and manufacturing floors to laboratories and kitchens, the risk of eye injuries in industrial settings is real and often underestimated. Whether caused by flying debris, chemical splashes, sharp tools, or thermal exposure, industrial eye injuries require prompt and precise care to prevent permanent damage.
At London Eye & Retina, we provide specialised emergency care for work-related eye trauma. Our priority is to protect your vision, support a smooth recovery, and work with your employer on safe return-to-work plans where needed.
Common Types of Industrial Eye Injuries
In high-risk work environments, eye trauma can result from:
- Foreign bodies: Metal fragments, dust, or grit from grinding, welding, drilling, or cutting
- Chemical burns: Exposure to cleaning agents, solvents, or industrial chemicals
- Thermal burns: From hot oil, steam, or flames
- Blunt trauma: Tools or equipment impacting the eye
- Penetrating injuries: Sharp objects piercing the eye
- Radiation exposure: From welding (arc eye or photokeratitis)
In some cases, multiple types of injury may be involved, requiring comprehensive treatment.
Symptoms That Require Urgent Attention
- Sudden pain or discomfort in the eye
- Redness, swelling, or excessive tearing
- Blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss
- Foreign body sensation that doesn’t improve
- Flashes of light or dark spots in the vision
- Eye bleeding or structural deformity
- Chemical exposure with eye redness or stinging
Do not ignore or delay treatment, early intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and lasting impairment.
Immediate First Aid Tips
- For foreign bodies: Do not rub the eye; rinse with clean water or saline
- For chemicals: Flush immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; avoid neutralising with other substances
- For thermal burns: Rinse with cool water; avoid applying ice or ointments
- Do not attempt to remove embedded objects or apply pressure
Always seek immediate medical care after any eye injury at work.
Treatment and Care at London Eye & Retina
Our emergency eye care team offers:
- Thorough assessment using high-magnification tools and imaging
- Foreign body removal under local anaesthesia
- Treatment for burns (chemical or thermal) with irrigation, anti-inflammatory drops, and protective measures
- Surgical repair for penetrating injuries or structural damage
- Follow-up care to monitor healing, prevent infection, and manage long-term risks
- Workplace injury documentation and liaison with your employer if required
We also provide reports for workplace injury claims (WICA) and insurance purposes.
Prevention and Protection
Following recovery, we offer advice on workplace eye protection, including:
- Appropriate safety goggles or face shields
- Custom eyewear for specific job tasks
- Regular eye checks for employees in high-risk roles
Protect Your Future Vision
Work-related eye injuries can be serious, but timely treatment often leads to excellent outcomes. Don’t wait or try to “tough it out”, your eyes are too valuable.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. James Ng at London Eye & Retina and explore your options for clearer, sharper sight.
Let us help you recover safely and return to work with confidence.
