Eye injuries are far more common than generally thought - they account for around 10% of all human trauma. They can occur at home, at work, in traffic, or during sport. Although many injuries resolve without consequences, some can permanently threaten vision.

What all types of eye injuries have in common is that they require a quick and appropriate response. The time that elapses between injury and treatment is often just as important as the injury itself.

Eye injuries are classified by cause into:

A foreign body in the eye is one of the most common injuries. A metal fragment, grain of sand, wooden splinter, or insect can enter the conjunctiva (under the eyelid) or become lodged in the cornea. Symptoms include a scratching sensation, pain, photophobia, and redness.

Corneal abrasion occurs when the surface layer of the cornea is damaged by a fingernail, piece of paper, branch, or similar object. It is accompanied by severe pain and photophobia. With appropriate treatment, the cornea fully recovers.

Contusion (blunt) injuries are caused by a punch, ball, piece of wood, or any blunt object. Depending on the force of the impact, all structures of the eye can be affected - from blood in the anterior chamber (hyphaema), damage to the lens and vitreous, to retinal detachment. Every blunt eye injury requires an ophthalmological examination.

Penetrating injuries are the most serious type of mechanical injury - caused by sharp objects (a knife, wire, rebar, metal fragments) that pierce the wall of the eyeball. They are three times more common in men - most often younger. Complications include infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis) and retinal detachment.

Prof. dr Miroslav Vukosavljević and Dr Nenad Petrović gained their experience in treating penetrating eye injuries at the Military Medical Academy - treating both wartime and peacetime injuries. This experience is now applied at the Milmedic clinic.

Chemical eye injuries (caustic burns) occur when acids or alkalis enter the eye. Alkali injuries (slaked lime, mortar, ammonia, caustic soda) are more common - and more dangerous, as they penetrate deeper into the tissue. Acids (from batteries, cleaning products) form a protective layer that limits further penetration.

Burns can be caused by hot water, steam, hot oil, or molten metals. They are classified into three degrees according to the severity of damage to the conjunctiva and cornea. Treatment depends on the degree and may be medical or surgical.

These injuries occur when welding without a protective mask, spending time on snowy mountains, or at the seaside without UV protection. They are characterised by a latent period of 4 to 6 hours - symptoms do not appear immediately. When they do appear, the pain is severe and the sensation of "sand in the eyes" is intense. With appropriate treatment, full recovery occurs.

Some eye injuries look minor but can have serious consequences if not treated in time. Seek immediate ophthalmological help if you notice: