What is penetrating trauma of the eye?
Full or partial penetration of the outer coat of the eye (the clear part, the cornea or the white part, the sclera) can result from industrial, work-related or DIY injuries, or from assaults with sharp objects. Such injuries occur three times as frequently in males as in females. Because they are so close to the eyeball, the eyelids may be injured also.
How is penetrating trauma of the eye managed?
The optometrist will check the vision and examine the injured eye to discover the extent of the damage and whether there is full or partial penetration. Any foreign bodies will be noted but not removed. Evidence of damage to the internal structures of the eyeball, such as the lens of the eye, will be looked for.
The optometrist will prescribe or supply pain relief if necessary and make arrangements for the ophthalmologist to see the patient as soon as possible on the same day.
The ophthalmologist, having examined the patient, may arrange investigations such as X-rays or ultrasound and will decide on whether surgery is necessary, and if so how soon. In penetrating injury there is a very rare risk of inflammation in the other eye, a possibility that will be watched for as the patient is followed up.