Ocular Trauma Treatment in Baltimore

Locations in Pikesville, Owings Mills, Glen Burnie, & Rosedale

Injuries to the eyes impact your vision and health. Depending on the cause of the injury, it may result in a minor loss of vision or a sudden change to your visual health. At the Elman Retina Group, we recognize the possible causes of an eye injury and provide appropriate treatment solutions to assist with the recovery and healing processes.

What is Ocular Trauma?

Ocular trauma refers to eye injuries. It may stem from an accident, a fight or even personal behavior. Depending on the cause and severity of the injury, the actual impact of the injury varies significantly. In some cases, the injuries are minor and do not result in the loss of vision. More severe injuries to the eyes may result in a loss of vision or major impairments to your ability to see clearly.

Generally, injuries to the eyes heal with appropriate treatments and time; however, some injuries may require more complex treatment solutions based on the damage to the eyes. Ultimately, an eye doctor at our clinic evaluates the damages to the eyes and then recommends an appropriate treatment strategy.

Treatment Options for Eye Injuries

Treating injuries to your eyes may depend on the type of injuries and the location of the injuries. As a general rule, do not press on the injured eye or rub the area. Seek immediate attention for eye injuries to limit the possible impact of delayed treatments.

After immediate care, such as flushing the eyes with water to remove debris or chemicals, an eye doctor may apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling from the injury. We may also use medications to help alleviate pain, but we recommend avoiding all pain medications until after seeing an ophthalmologist.

Why Visit an Ophthalmologist?

Visiting an ophthalmologist is an important part of protecting your vision because the professional doctor with specialized training. Certain injuries to the eyes may require surgical treatments to correct and heal. An ophthalmologist can provide the specialized treatment you need to keep your eyes as healthy as possible after an injury.

Generally, you want to visit the specialized medical professional for the appropriate strategies for your eye health. An ophthalmologist is a practicing doctor with specialized training in eye health and eye surgery. In an emergency situation, the professional has the tools to handle any situation and address the cuts, bruises or even broken bones around the eyes. When your eyes need surgical treatments, an ophthalmologist provides the options based on your needs and the possible impact of the treatment on your eyes or vision.

Common Types of Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can vary widely but some of the most common include:

Corneal Abrasions: Scratches on the surface of the eye, often caused by contact with dust, dirt, or other foreign materials.
Foreign Bodies in the Eye: When materials like metal shavings or wood chips enter the eye, posing risk of infection or further injury.
Traumatic Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens as a result of impact or blunt trauma.
Orbital Fractures: Breaks or cracks in the bones surrounding the eye, typically due to significant impact.

Each of these injuries requires prompt medical attention to prevent more severe complications.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of eye injuries can include:

Pain and discomfort
Redness and swelling
Blurred or decreased vision
Sensitivity to light
The sensation of something in your eye

Causes range from everyday activities gone awry, like home improvement projects and sports, to serious accidents involving blunt or penetrating trauma.

Medical Diagnosis of Ocular Trauma

At Elman Retina Group, diagnosing an eye injury involves several techniques:

Slit Lamp Examinations to examine the extent of eye surface injuries.

Fluorescein Staining to detect foreign bodies or damage to the cornea.

Imaging Technologies like CT scans or MRIs to view the eye and its surrounding structures.

First Aid Treatment for Eye Injuries

Immediate first aid is crucial when a traumatic eye injury occurs. Here are important things to know when treating an eye injury:

Do not rub or apply pressure to your eye.
If exposed to foreign substances, flush the eye with clean water or saline solution.
Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressing against it.
Always seek professional medical attention immediately after administering first aid.

Preventing Eye Injuries

Preventing eye injuries is often as simple as wearing protective eyewear during sports or when engaging in activities that pose a risk to the eyes. This includes home improvement projects involving cutting or sanding, industrial work with machinery or hazardous chemicals, and sports where fast-moving objects or physical contact are common. Always choose the appropriate safety goggles or shields designed for the specific activity to ensure maximum protection.

Regular eye exams also play a crucial role in maintaining eye health and preventing accidents before they occur.

Costs, Price Ranges, and Financing Options

Treating ocular trauma can vary in cost, depending on the type and severity of the injury. At Elman Retina Group, we strive to provide clear information about treatment costs and offer various financing options to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder your access to the best possible care. In most cases, a traumatic eye injury is covered by medical (health) insurance, not vision insurance.

Eye Injuries and Glaucoma

Eye injuries can have serious and long-term consequences, including the development of traumatic glaucoma. This form of glaucoma can arise after an injury to the eye that disrupts its internal structures, particularly the eye’s drainage system. When the eye’s ability to drain fluid is impaired, intraocular pressure can build up, damaging the optic nerve. This damage is often irreversible and can lead to vision loss if not managed properly. Traumatic glaucoma can manifest immediately after an injury or develop slowly over several years, making regular eye examinations crucial for anyone who has suffered a significant eye injury. It underscores the importance of protecting the eyes from injury and seeking immediate professional care if injury occurs.

Injuries to your eyes cause concerns about your vision and eye health. Although some injuries are minor and may not leave lasting damage, any injuries to the eyes require treatment from a professional to prevent complications. An ophthalmologist at the Elman Retina Group offers the solutions you need to handle any injuries to your eyes. For more information about emergency solutions after an accident injures your eyes, contact us today.