Ocular Trauma

Apollo Prime Eye Hospitals

What is Ocular Trauma?

Ocular trauma refers to any injury to the eye, eyelid, or surrounding bone. These injuries can range from minor irritations like corneal abrasions to severe, vision-threatening conditions like penetrating wounds or blunt trauma. The impact of ocular trauma can be significant, potentially leading to visual loss and substantial socioeconomic consequences.

Causes of Ocular Trauma

  • Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, or certain eye conditions.
  • Age: More common in adults over 40, particularly after 60.
  • Genetics: A family history of glaucoma increases the risk.
  • Injury: Previous eye trauma or surgeries.
  • Elevated Intraocular Pressure: Caused by improper drainage of fluid within the eye.

Symptoms of Ocular Trauma

  • Eye pain or discomfort
  • Redness or swelling around the eye
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Visible bleeding in or around the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Difficulty opening the eyelid or excessive tearing
  • Foreign body sensation or visible object in the eye
  • Sudden loss of vision or dark spots (in case of internal injury)

How Ocular Trauma treated ?

Ocular trauma is treated based on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries like superficial scratches or irritation may be managed with lubricating eye drops and protective measures. More serious trauma—such as penetrating injuries, internal bleeding, or retinal detachment—requires urgent medical or surgical intervention. Treatment may include antibiotics to prevent infection, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical repair. Immediate evaluation by an eye specialist is crucial to prevent vision loss and long-term complications.

What are the surgical techniques for Ocular Trauma?

Pars Plana Vitrectomy

This surgery removes the vitreous gel from the eye and is commonly used to treat intraocular bleeding, retinal detachment, or foreign bodies resulting from trauma.

Key Benefits

  • Improves visual outcomes
  • Allows retinal repair and removal of blood/debris
  • Can be combined with laser therapy

Scleral Buckling

A flexible silicone band is attached to the white part of the eye to close retinal breaks. It’s used for retinal detachment caused by trauma.

Advantages

  • Effective in reattaching the retina
  • Preserves natural lens
  • Good long-term results

Primary Globe Repair

This emergency surgery repairs open-globe injuries, including corneal or scleral lacerations, to restore the integrity of the eyeball.

Benefits

  • Prevents infection
  • Preserves ocular structure
  • Enables further vision-saving procedures

Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB) Removal

This procedure is performed to extract foreign objects (metal, glass, etc.) that penetrate the eye during trauma. Often combined with vitrectomy.

Advantages

  • Reduces risk of infection
  • Prevents further retinal damage
  • Improves visual prognosis

FAQs

What is ocular trauma?
Ocular trauma refers to any injury to the eye or surrounding structures caused by blunt force, sharp objects, chemicals, or foreign bodies.
What are the symptoms of ocular trauma?
Symptoms may include eye pain, redness, blurry vision, floaters, flashes of light, or visible injury to the eye surface or surrounding tissues.
Can ocular trauma lead to permanent vision loss?
Yes, if not treated promptly, ocular trauma can result in complications like retinal detachment, infection, or glaucoma, leading to permanent vision loss.
How is ocular trauma treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and type of injury. It may include medication, suturing, foreign body removal, or surgical procedures like vitrectomy or globe repair.
When should I seek medical help for an eye injury?
Immediately. Any trauma to the eye, especially with pain, vision changes, or bleeding, requires urgent medical attention to prevent complications.

Care Tips After Ocular Trauma

After ocular trauma, it’s essential to protect the injured eye and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the eye, and do not self-medicate. Use prescribed eye drops as directed, and wear an eye shield if advised. Limit screen time and strenuous activities, and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and prevent complications. Seek immediate care if vision worsens or new symptoms appear.