Keep your eyes peeled for possible dangers
Our eyes are needed in most tasks we undertake daily, yet we take them for granted.
While the eyes are equipped with various defence mechanisms to prevent damage, we need to be cautious at all times.
Dr Vernon Wessels, from ER24, said, “Some of the defence mechanisms that keep these highly sensitive organs safe from harm include tears and eyelids. Tears are produced continuously at just the right volume (except when we cry), and viscosity to ensure good lubrication of the eye, clear vision and to wash away dust. Eyelids blink regularly and close within milliseconds when we sense an approaching threat. The pupil adjusts according to the incoming light to allow just enough for good vision. Despite these natural defences, injuries and damage still occur, often due to our own negligence.”
ER24 staff is often approached at events by patients who have a foreign object in their eye, most commonly dust and dirt. Rinsing the eye with normal saline usually dislodges the objects and clears the eye, but often the patient complains of still feeling the object despite it not being visible at all. “In most cases the object is no longer present and this sensation is caused by damage that has occurred to the top layer of the cornea which can best be seen by colouring the eye with a special fluorescein dye that sticks to the damaged tissue,” said Dr Wessels.
Other damage that is fairly common is metal grinder dust that burns into the cornea when people use angle or bench grinders without safety goggles. These objects are often more difficult to remove and may require a visit to an emergency centre or even an ophthalmologist.
“Arc eyes is a painful condition caused by burns sustained to the cornea due to the UV radiation emitted by arc welding where a protective visor was not used. Patients often treat themselves with local anaesthetic eye drops which help to relieve the pain but, this exposes the eye to permanent damage and even blindness due to the protective mechanisms also being suppressed by the drops.
“More serious injuries can occur when objects enter the eyeball and often, these cannot be identified on examination in the pre-hospital environment. An example of this is tiny shards of metal or stone that are produced when hammering metal items or concrete. The speed of these items is sufficient to penetrate through the sclera and into the eyeball and often the entry point is not obvious,” said Dr Wessels.
Without a detailed examination by a doctor this injury could lead to permanent loss of the eye.
Safety glasses are essential when you are exposing your eyes to potential damage like when cycling, grinding, hammering or using electric saws – use them and give your eyes a greater chance of remaining healthy.
Also view:
Eye Protection and Road Safety
