Have you or a loved one been injured around the eyes? Or are you worried you might?
Your eyes are one of the areas of your body that is vulnerable to injury. This is because there’s little protectiaon around your eyes. Worse, eye trauma can also lead to permanent damage if it’s not treated immediately.
Wondering what happens after your eye injuries get treated? Here are five tips for recovering from eye trauma.
Read on!
1. Follow the Doctor’s Instructions
Following the instructions of your eye doctor is the best way to recover from eye trauma. Attend all follow-up appointments and ask questions about your care and contact B-Town Eye Care emergency services if you think something’s wrong. This will reduce the chances of complications as you recover.
When treating an eye injury, you may be prescribed medications, eye drops, or ointments. Make sure to follow instructions on how often to use medication or eye drops.
2. Get Enough Sleep
It is important to give your body enough rest after experiencing such an injury to allow it to heal. Set up a consistent sleep and wake-up routine to make sure you are getting enough sleep each night. This can help to ease any stress and anxiety related to the trauma.
Avoid substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, as these can hinder recovery instead of furthering it. Incorporate bedtime relaxation techniques such as meditation and reading to help you de-stress and relax before bed. This will also aid in promoting a good night’s rest.
3. Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the injured area serves to reduce inflammation. This is important for alleviating pain and helping the eye to heal. Cold temperatures reduce swelling and slow the body’s response to trauma, therefore allowing more time to access medical attention.
A cold compress should be refrigerated and applied to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes every two to three hours. Remove the compress if irritation occurs. Keep your eyes closed when using a cold compress, as light can exacerbate trauma.
4. Practice Good Hygiene
Caring for and cleaning the eye area can prevent further complications and help with healing. It is important to keep the affected eye and the area around it clean and free of debris and allergens.
Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes. Do not use any eye products or make-up, and if you wear contacts, stop using them.
Clean the area around the eye with lukewarm salt water or use a damp cloth and mild soap. Once the area around the eye is clean, reapply an ointment or antibiotic at least twice daily to keep the eye moist and to prevent further damage.
5. Protect Your Eyes
It is important to always wear protective eyewear for injury prevention. Always make sure to buy shatterproof protective eyewear that exceeds the applicable ANSI standard.
Wearing a helmet is essential when participating in contact sports. When outdoors, remember to protect your eyes from the sun’s strong rays. You can do this by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or other such headgear with a sun visor.
Recover From Eye Trauma With These Tips
Recovering from eye trauma requires patience and understanding from both the patient and the caregiver. If you are suffering from eye trauma, don’t hesitate to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get the necessary advice for a full recovery.
Be sure to take all recommended precautions and treatments, and you’ll be on the path to recovery.
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