Superficial Conjunctival injuries

Understanding Superficial Conjunctival Injuries

Conjunctival injuries, also known as "red eye," occur when the innermost layer of the eye, the conjunctiva, is irritated. The most common causes of conjunctival injuries are physical trauma or chemical burns. Superficial conjunctival injuries affect the outermost layer of the eye, causing inflammation, redness, and discomfort, but rarely interfere with vision or have long-term repercussions.

First Aid for Superficial Conjunctival Injuries

Mild conjunctival injuries should be adequately treated at home. Most conjunctival injuries involve irritation from bacteria, viruses, and foreign material such as dust, dirt, and pollen. To help alleviate the symptoms of conjunctival injuries, the following steps should be taken:

Apply a warm compress to the affected eye(s) for 10 minutes four times a day.

Replace contact lenses and their cleaning solutions as appropriate.

Discontinue use of any potentially irritating eye products.

Flush out the eye with saline.

Use artificial tears to moisten the eyes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the symptoms of conjunctival injuries don't improve within a few days, it is important to seek medical help. If the injury is severe enough to cause pain, vision changes, or corneal damage, an ophthalmologist should be consulted. It may also be recommended to use an eye patch or drops to help reduce the swelling.

In addition, it is important to seek medical attention if there is any history of foreign material entering the eye. Foreign material can cause serious and rare cases of conjunctival injuries, so it is important to get a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist to ensure that the eye has healed correctly.