Eye Trauma

Eye trauma includes any injury to the eye, eyelid, or surrounding structures. Trauma can range from mild scratches to serious injuries that threaten vision, such as corneal abrasions, hyphema (bleeding inside the eye), globe injuries, and orbital fractures. Because even small injuries can worsen quickly, timely evaluation is essential.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our ophthalmologists provide urgent assessment, advanced imaging, and personalized treatment to protect your vision and prevent long-term complications.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of injury, but common signs include:

• Sudden eye pain
• Redness, tearing, or sensitivity to light
• Blurred or decreased vision
• A feeling that something is “in the eye”
• Bleeding around or inside the eye
• Bruising or swelling of the eyelids
• New floaters, flashes, or shadows
• Difficulty opening the eye

Evaluation

During your visit at The Medical Group of New Jersey, your ophthalmologist will:

• Ask about how the injury occurred
• Assess for chemical exposure, foreign bodies, sharp trauma, or blunt impact
• Examine the surface of the eye for scratches or lacerations
• Check pupil reactions and eye pressure (when safe)
• Evaluate for hyphema, retinal injury, or globe rupture
• Perform a slit-lamp exam to assess deeper structures

If a severe injury is suspected, urgent imaging is performed to guide next steps.

Diagnosis & Risk Assessment

Diagnosis may require specialized testing depending on the injury.

• Slit-Lamp Examination: Allows detailed visualization of the cornea, anterior chamber, and lens.
• Fluorescein Staining: Highlights scratches, foreign bodies, and corneal abrasions.
• CT Scan of the orbits is recommended for:
  • Orbital fractures
  • Suspected globe rupture
  • Penetrating injuries
  • Metal foreign bodies
  • Vision-threatening trauma
• A dilated eye exam is used to identify:
  • Retinal tears
  • Retinal detachment
  • Vitreous hemorrhage

A thorough risk assessment ensures injuries are treated promptly and appropriately. Your ophthalmologist will also consider contributing risk factors, including:

• Contact lens use
• High-velocity impact injuries
• Metal work without eye protection
• Prior eye surgery
• Underlying eye disease

Treatment & Management

Treatment for eye trauma varies based on the type and severity of the injury. Your ophthalmologist will create a plan focused on protecting vision, relieving discomfort, and preventing long-term complications.

Corneal Abrasions & Surface Injuries

These injuries often cause pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Treatment may include:

• Lubricating eye drops or ointments to promote healing
• Antibiotic drops to prevent infection
• A bandage contact lens to reduce pain
• Avoiding contact lenses until the eye fully heals

Foreign Bodies

If something becomes lodged in the eye, care typically involves:

• Safe, in-office removal under magnification
• Antibiotic drops to reduce infection risk
• A tetanus booster when appropriate

Blunt Trauma & Hyphema (Bleeding Inside the Eye)

Blunt-force injuries may require:

• A protective eye shield
• Anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drops
• Reduced physical activity and rest
• Close monitoring for increased eye pressure or glaucoma

Chemical Burns

Chemical injuries require immediate attention. Treatment focuses on rapid stabilization:

• Emergency eye irrigation to remove the chemical
• Monitoring the eye’s pH until it returns to normal
• Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
• Continued evaluation for potential corneal damage

Orbital Fractures

Injuries involving the bones around the eye may need:

• CT imaging to assess fracture severity
• Cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Avoid nose blowing to prevent air from entering the orbit
• Surgical repair when fractures affect function or appearance

Severe or Vision-Threatening Injuries

Some injuries require urgent surgery, including:

• Globe rupture
• Deep lacerations
• Retinal detachment
• Penetrating trauma

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our ophthalmologists coordinate urgent care with oculoplastic, retina, and trauma specialists to provide seamless and immediate treatment.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Many people recover fully with prompt care. Follow-up is a critical part of trauma care, even when injuries initially seem minor. Your ophthalmologist will:

• Recheck vision and healing progress
• Monitor for infection, inflammation, or scarring
• Evaluate for delayed complications, such as glaucoma or retinal tears
• Adjust treatment based on healing response
• Provide clearance for return to work, school, or physical activity