Eye Trauma Specialist

What is eye trauma?

Eye trauma, also called ocular trauma, is damage to the eye following an accident, injury, or other situation that causes direct damage to your eye. 

Although most patients know that eye trauma can happen when you’re hit in the face with a football, it’s not as well-known that eye trauma can develop after something as small as a bit of dirt lodging under your eyelid. 

Eye trauma can happen when your eyes are open or closed. It’s currently one of the most common causes of vision loss, but it’s one of the least talked about. 

What are the symptoms of eye trauma?

The symptoms of eye trauma depend on the exact type of damage, but some problems to look for include: 

• Swollen eyes
• Highly inflamed eyes
• Bloodshot eyes
• Distorted iris or pupil
• Milky color over the eyes
• Severe eye-watering
• Eye discharge
• Severe eye pain
• Sudden onset of floaters or flashes
• Loss of vision

The symptoms of eye trauma can also happen with many other types of eye problems, so it’s important to see a Retina Specialists ophthalmologist for evaluation promptly if you’re having any of these symptoms or notice any sort of change in your vision that is alarming.

How is eye trauma treated?

It depends on the type of trauma. If you have something stuck in your eye, your ophthalmologist may perform surgery to remove it. 

When cataracts develop after eye trauma, your ophthalmologist may start by monitoring the cataract development and your symptoms. Long-term, cataract removal surgery is the most reliable way to deal with cataracts. 

If you develop high eye pressure after an injury or damage to the eye, you’re at risk for glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist can start preventive treatments like corticosteroids and antibiotics. 

If your high eye pressure does translate into glaucoma, your ophthalmologist may recommend medication to lower eye fluid production or surgery to help your eye drain fluid more efficiently if needed. 

Surgery is sometimes needed to repair badly damaged inner-eye structures after eye trauma, like retinal detachment. 

Your Retina Specialists ophthalmologist always attempts the noninvasive and minimally-invasive treatments first, and only recommends surgery when it’s truly necessary to preserve and maintain your eye health. 

If you suffer eye trauma of any type, don’t delay in getting care. Your appointment at Retina Specialists could save your vision. Book online or by calling the office closest to you now.