Health

Domestic accidents can cause serious visual impairment. Protecting your eyes or those of your children is first and foremost preventing these accidents. Knowing how to treat the emergency if the accident occurs and having the right action while waiting for medical advice can save your sight.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN CASE OF A BURN?

As a first aid, to relieve the pain, use cold water. Be careful, do not put any greasy substance on the burned surface! Seek medical attention quickly. The ophthalmologist will assess the burn (first, second or third degree) and treat it.

HOW SHOULD I REACT IN CASE OF A CHEMICAL PRODUCT SPILL?

Chemical burns are a real eye emergency and you must seek medical attention quickly. However, the waiting time for help or consultation can be long and have serious repercussions on the eye. Consequently, first aid must be provided within seconds of the accident. Immediately wash the eye by flooding it with cold water or physiological solution (for 20 to 30 minutes). Do not hesitate to use the shower if this seems more practical to you. It is important to trace the history of the accident, as far as possible, and, in particular, to identify the product that attacked the eye (bring the bottle to the doctor). This information will be useful for taking effective action.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE ANTIBIOTICS AFTER A BURN?

Because your eye is weakened and burns are entry points into the body for microbes. Antibiotics will help your body fight these microbes effectively.

WHAT IS THE DANGER OF EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET RAYS?

UV rays can cause keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). The risk is particularly high in the mountains, on ski slopes or on glaciers. If you have the reflex to put sunscreen on your face when you ski, have the reflex to wear glasses to protect your eyes from exposure to the sun! Seek medical advice if necessary.

IN THE EVENT OF A SHOCK, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

In the case of a mild shock, you can apply compresses (or cold towels) for 24 hours to minimise swelling of the eye, then continue with hot compresses. If your vision is good and you can move your eye in all directions, the damage to the eye is not a cause for concern. You may still have a "black eye" (simple bruise around the eye). If not, consult a doctor without delay.

I HAVE A FOREIGN BODY IN MY EYE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If the foreign body is loose on the eye and easily accessible (dust, grain of sand, eyelash, insect), it can easily be dislodged using a cotton swab, a compress or a simple corner of a clean tissue, by spreading the eyelids with your thumb and index finger. If the object is stuck or planted in the eye, or if it is invisible (piece of glass), do not try to extract it under any circumstances. Place a compress on the injured eye without pressing too hard and keeping the eyelid closed. The eye must not move. Go to the emergency room quickly. You can also make a loose bandage on both eyes. The purpose of this bandage is to keep both eyes in a fixed position, always with the eyelids closed. Do not tighten the bandage too much, this could cause the object to penetrate further. Get someone to accompany you to the emergency room.

HOW CAN I AVOID ACCIDENTS?

If you are doing an activity that is risky for your eyes (DIY, grinding, handling chemicals, aerosols or sprays, etc.), wear safety glasses. Keep dangerous products out of reach of children. If your child wears glasses, choose plastic frames and unbreakable lenses. Do not leave weapons or projectiles within reach of children.

WHAT INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD I FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT?

You should never:

• Put a product (except water or saline solution) in your eye without medical advice.
• Remove a foreign body stuck in your eye
• Rub your eye.

You should:

• Rinse your eye thoroughly with water if a chemical product is splashed.
• Remove the foreign body if it is easily accessible and if it is not stuck in the eye.
• If in doubt, consult or seek medical advice.

The eye is a fragile organ, and any eye accident requires first aid. In some cases, this first aid will be enough to resolve the problem, while others require rapid medical consultation. Preventing accidents is not always enough, it is important to know the first aid procedures.

Author: DR Robert BRAMI