oogtrauma

Oogtrauma, or ocular trauma, denotes injury to the eye or its surrounding structures. It includes damage to the globe, orbit, or adnexa and can result from blunt impact, penetrating objects, chemical or thermal burns, radiation, or electrical injury. It is a common cause of vision loss in sports, labor, and household accidents.

Classification commonly divides injuries into closed-globe (blunt) injuries—contusions, corneal abrasions, hyphema, and orbital fractures—and open-globe injuries, which involve a full-thickness wound of the eyewall or penetrating injuries with possible intraocular damage. Chemical burns are emergencies; alkali injuries are particularly destructive.

Symptoms vary but commonly include eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swelling, and a foreign-body sensation. Signs such as an irregular pupil, decreased sharpness of vision, or restricted movement may indicate serious injury.

Initial management emphasizes protection and prompt specialist care. Apply a rigid shield to prevent further injury, avoid rubbing or pressure, and do not remove penetrating objects. For chemical burns, irrigate with clean water or saline for 15–30 minutes. Seek urgent ophthalmology.

Prognosis depends on mechanism, extent, and treatment timing; some injuries recover fully, others cause lasting vision loss. Prevention includes eye protection in hazardous activities and proper handling of chemicals.