Eye injuries are among the most common preventable causes of vision loss in children and young people. Whether during sports, around the home, or outdoors – the eyes are sensitive and can be damaged by blunt or sharp force, chemicals, and foreign objects. Many eye injuries can be prevented with simple protective measures.
A ball, an elbow, or a fall can strike the eye without penetrating the surface. Possible consequences:
Penetrating injuries from scissors, pens, wires, splinters, or similar objects are particularly dangerous:
Risk of infection (endophthalmitis) Iris or vitreous prolapse Permanent corneal scarring Damage to internal eye structures
Contact with cleaning products, lime, acids, or alkalis can severely damage the cornea and conjunctiva:
Alkali burns (such as lime, ammonia) are particularly dangerous because they penetrate deep into the tissue Acid burns typically cause more superficial damage but can also be serious
UV damage (such as welding flash, intense sun exposure without protection, tanning beds): Causes painful corneal inflammation (photokeratitis), which usually recovers completely
Immediate flushing is the most important measure:
Flush the eye for at least 15–20 minutes under running lukewarm water Keep eyelids open while flushing Do not rub the eye Afterward, seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist or emergency room
Cool with an ice pack (do not press directly on the eye) Do not rub the eye If vision deteriorates, double vision appears, pain occurs, or visible bleeding is present: see an ophthalmologist immediately
Do not remove anything stuck in the eye Loosely cover the eye (for example, with a cup) without applying pressure Do not rub or press the eye Seek immediate emergency care
Small superficial foreign objects can be removed by blinking or careful flushing
Protective goggles with polycarbonate lenses for high-risk sports such as squash, floor hockey, badminton, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey Regular glasses do not provide adequate protection Contact lenses do not protect the eye from injury
Store chemicals and cleaning products out of reach of children Wear protective goggles when doing home repairs (sanding, drilling, hammering) Keep garden tools and sharp objects stored safely away from children
Children should only watch fireworks under adult supervision and should not set them off themselves Maintain a safe distance
Children with limited vision in one eye (for example, after amblyopia or injury) should always wear protective goggles during sports to protect the healthy eye.
Any vision deterioration after an injury Pain that does not subside Visible bleeding in the eye Double vision after trauma Chemical burn (after initial flushing) Penetrating injury or foreign object that cannot be removed Flashes or floaters (black spots) in the visual field – signs of retinal damage