Focus on eyes: Preventing eye injuries in children

Injuries can occur at anytime and anywhere. Children are very active and they are more prone to injuries including eye injuries.

These eye injuries sometimes can cause serious damage and even blindness, which can drastically alter someone’s life.

To prevent trauma to the eyes, children involved in sports should wear the appropriate gear to protect their eyes, especially in activities involving high speed objects like for example racquet sports, baseball, soccer or basketball, among others.

It is better for children to avoid playing with projectile toys since trauma with these can lead to abrasions, bleeding inside the eye and even rupture of the ocular globe.

More:Focus on eyes: Understanding Glaucoma and how to treat it

Playing with paintballs, BB guns or pellet guns is extremely dangerous and can cause serious permanent eye damage.

Kids like to play inside the car; it is important to make sure that they are not using any objects that can cause an eye injury.

Children also should be secured by using the seatbelt and by utilizing a baby carrier when appropriate.

At home, all chemicals should be locked out of the reach of small children.

Whenever someone has a chemical burn in the eye, it is recommended to immediately flush the eye with water or saline and have an eye exam by an ophthalmologist for proper management.

Also, it is important to keep children away from fireworks; these are for adults to use, and even then, they can be dangerous if not being careful.

More:Focus on eyes: What is Bell’s palsy?

The majority of ocular injuries can be avoided if using the proper protective eyewear.

After an injury has occurred, it is important to remember not to touch or rub the eye. Do not attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye.

Small debris can be removed by rapid blinking or flushing the eye with saline. Whenever an eye injury occurs, the child should be examined promptly by an ophthalmologist or primary care physician.

Dr. Ho and Dr. Vaccari are ophthalmologists at Atlantic Eye MD, specializing in cataract surgery, multifocal lens implants, laser surgery, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and macular degeneration as well as the full spectrum of vision disorders.

The Atlantic Eye MD office is located at 8040 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne.

To make an appointment please call (321) 757-7272

To learn more about the personalized eye care of Dr. Ho and Dr. Vaccari, visit AtlanticEyeMD.com