Eye Injuries (Part II)

Traumatic iritis is inflammation of the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil (iris) and occurs after an eye injury. Traumatic iritis can be caused by a poke in the eye or a blow to the eye from a blunt object, such as a ball or a hand.

When the iris is injured, it becomes inflamed, and when the inside of the eye is inflamed, the body rushes white blood cells to the area to mend the problem and speed up healing.

The inflamed cells make it very sticky inside the eye; it may cause part of the iris or other parts of the eye to stick together, causing further damage. Also, the fluid in the front part of the eye, the aqueous humor, can fill with inflammatory cells and sometimes pigment or blood from the trauma, causing it to thicken. The thickened liquid may not be filtered out of the eye fast enough, causing eye pressure to rise to dangerous levels. On the contrary, sometimes the ciliary body is also traumatized, causing reduced eye pressure. Although this usually doesn’t lower eye pressure to dangerous levels, it is something that eye doctors pay close attention to.

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Traumatic iritis usually requires treatment. Even with medical treatment, there is a risk of permanent decreased vision.

Seek help from a doctor right away if you experience the following after 2-3 days you got hit.

·       eye ache or pain

·       sensitivity and pain when exposed to light

·       blurry vision

·       tearing

·       redness

What to do generally if you encounter eye injuries?

If you have any eye injury, contact your eye care practitioner immediately for advice.

In certain extreme situations such as a penetrating eye injury or an eye knocked out of the socket, it may be better to get to the hospital immediately without taking the time to try calling anyone.

Once you are in the care of a doctor, be sure to mention if you wear contact lenses so you can be advised whether to leave them in or remove them.

Depending on the type of eye injury, the doctor may want you to flush your eye with water or saline solution. In more serious situations, you may need surgery.

Treat all eye injuries as potential emergencies, and never hesitate to contact or see an eye doctor immediately.

Don't take risks with your eyesight. Remember, you have only one pair of eyes. Wear safety glasses to protect yourself.

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