First Aid for Eye Injuries
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The Eye is a complex structure. A simple introduction to the general anatomy of the eye
will be necessary. Here are some of the major components of the eye that are susceptible
to injury.
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CORNEA - This is a clear tough outer coating over the pupil.
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RETINA - This is a thin layer of light (and color) sensitive cells (rods and cones) which line the back of the eye, sending information to the brain, that leads to the production of an image.
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CONJUNCTIVA - This is a thin outer membrane which coats the "white" of the eye and the inside surface of the lids.
Superficial Injuries
The most common type of eye injury results from a
particle getting into the eye. Usually this is just a piece of dirt or
dust h which may be removed easily without complications. The wet
corner of the handkerchief-used carefully-is excellent for removing
particles from the surface of the eye. The particles will ordinarily
stick to handkerchief. Or you may use a cotton swab. DO NOT RUB THE
EYES!
If the particle is beneath the eyelid, blink the
eyes and a good flow of tears may work it over to either end of the
eye where removal is easier. If the object refuses to move from
beneath the eyelid, you may turn the back the lid with a thumb and
forefinger, and touch it with a wet handkerchief (or cotton swab). If
the particle is under the upper lid another method is to pull the lid
down over the lower one. This may leave the object stuck to outer part
of the lower lid.
You can also flush the particle with running water.
If the flushing does not work, or the object will not stick to the
handkerchief, it probably is embedded in the surface of the cornea or
the eyelid. Never use force or try to pry the particle loose.
If the first aid efforts do not work, close the eye
and cover it with a soft, clean bandage to protect it and to prevent
the movement of eyelid. Take the patient to the nearest physician or
call your family physician.
Thermal & Chemical
Injuries
If an
irritating chemical gets into the eye, flood it immediately with
water. Get the water from any available source, such as a drinking
fountain, faucet, shower or hose. Try to hold eyelids apart so that
water can cover s much of the eye as possible.
If the eye
has been burned by fire or by chemical do not cover it. Call a doctor
immediately or go to a emergency room immediately. In severe burns the
patient may go into shock. First aid for shock may be necessary (See
Shock).
There are
many types of eye burns. The most minor of these may not be noticed
immediately, but produce pain, photophobia, and spasms of the eyelids.
e.g: Over exposure to a sunlamp or to sun itself. It happens sometimes
to persons who falls asleep, while sunning. The ultraviolet rays may
penetrate the eyelids.
Ultraviolet
radiations from electric arcs like those used in welding causes burns
similar to burns of sunlamps or the sun. Children should be cautioned
not to watch any workman who uses a bright light.
Infrared
radiations can cause severe and irremediable burns on the retina. Long
exposure from infrared rays, such as those coming directly from furnace,
damages the lens of eye.
The Black Eye
The eye that
has received a blow and is surrounded by dark purplish blemishes on
the skin (ecchymosis) stimulates joke about men fighting with their
wives or comments to boys like "What happened to the other
guy?" This humor may be harmless, but too often the recipient of
"black eye" just laughs it off and neglects to care properly
for the eye. Most black eyes have no lasting effects, but some may
cause damage which can result in visual problems-even blindness-if
left uncorrected. It is good sense to have ophthalmologist examine an
eye which has been damaged in anyway. Eyesight is too important to be
neglected.
One result
of an impact against the eye is called a "blowout fracture".
The pressure against the eyeball causes the lower part of the eye
socket bone to break. A fist or a baseball may cause this injury.
Blows may also cause damage to nearly every other parts of the eye.
The extent of eye damage can be determined only after an eye
examination.
Treament By Homoeopathic Remedies
Arnica 1M, Aconite Nap 200C, 1M. In superficial Injuries.
Antim Crude 200C,1M; Merc Sol 200C, 1M, Arg.Nit. 200C, 1M In thermal injuries
Cantharis 30C,200C. In burns.
Aconite Nap 200C, 1M, In foreign body.
Arnica 200C, 1M
Silicea 200C, 1M
Bellis P 200C,1M
Pulsatilla 30C,200C
Ruta G 200C, 1M
Calendula 30C
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