Eye Pain and Swelling After a Sports Injury

Q: Eye Pain and Swelling After a Sports Injury

Hello： First of all, it is important to note that experiencing discomfort in the eye after being struck by a badminton shuttlecock is a situation that warrants attention. <br>Your symptoms include a sensation of swelling, pain, migraines, and a feeling of ocular hypoxia. <br>Thes

The eyes feel swollen and painful?

The badminton serving machine got stuck, and I forgot to turn off the power.
After adjusting it, I was hit by a shuttlecock at close range, but I'm not sure if it hit my eye; I can only confirm it was near my eye.
At that moment, I covered my eye for about five minutes due to pain.
When I opened my eye, I only shed a few tears, and I could still see, so I just applied ice to my eye.
Later, I noticed some blood vessels in my eye, and the lower eyelid was slightly injured.
My eye was a bit swollen and painful, but since I could still see, I didn't go to the doctor until the fifth day.
The reason I went was that I kept feeling a sense of swelling in my eye, it hurt when I pressed on it, blinking was painful, and moving my head also caused pain, although it wasn't constant.
At night, it was particularly uncomfortable, and the pain sometimes felt like a migraine.
The doctor said it was due to a lack of oxygen to the eye and prescribed eye drops, but I want to know if there could be other issues besides hypoxia.
Do I need to go to a major hospital for further examination?

Guo Xiaojie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/19

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: First of all, it is important to note that experiencing discomfort in the eye after being struck by a badminton shuttlecock is a situation that warrants attention.
Your symptoms include a sensation of swelling, pain, migraines, and a feeling of ocular hypoxia.
These symptoms may be caused by damage to the ocular tissues, but they could also represent other issues.
Eye injuries may include corneal abrasions, conjunctival hyperemia, or other forms of ocular tissue damage.
The sensation of hypoxia may be due to an abnormal response of the ocular tissues, which requires further evaluation.
You have already seen a physician, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you remain concerned—especially if your symptoms are affecting your vision or causing ongoing discomfort—I recommend considering a further ophthalmological examination.

Reply Date: 2023/10/19

More Info

After experiencing an eye injury from a badminton shuttlecock, it is essential to understand the potential implications and necessary steps for recovery. Your description indicates that you sustained an injury near the eye, which has led to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and the presence of blood vessels in the eye. These symptoms can arise from various causes, and it is crucial to consider them carefully.

When a foreign object, such as a badminton shuttlecock, strikes the eye or the surrounding area, it can cause several types of injuries. These may include superficial injuries like corneal abrasions, which are scratches on the surface of the eye, or more severe injuries such as contusions or even retinal damage. The fact that you experienced immediate pain and tearing suggests that there was some level of trauma to the eye or the surrounding tissues.

The presence of blood vessels (often referred to as "bloodshot eyes") can indicate irritation or inflammation, which may be due to the injury itself or a reaction to the trauma. Swelling and pain, especially when moving the head or blinking, can be signs of inflammation or even a more serious condition such as a hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels) or orbital injury.

Your doctor mentioned that the pain could be due to a lack of oxygen to the eye, which can occur if the cornea is damaged or if there is swelling that affects blood flow. However, other factors could also contribute to your symptoms. For instance, if there is any damage to the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) or the eyelid, this could lead to discomfort and swelling. Additionally, if you have developed a secondary infection due to the injury, this could exacerbate the symptoms.

Given that you have been experiencing persistent symptoms, including swelling, pain, and headaches, it is advisable to seek further evaluation, especially if your symptoms do not improve or worsen. A comprehensive examination by an ophthalmologist can help determine the extent of the injury and whether there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed. This may include imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to assess for any deeper injuries that may not be visible during a standard eye examination.

In the meantime, it is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations, including the use of prescribed eye drops. These may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, avoid any activities that could further strain your eyes, such as prolonged screen time or exposure to bright lights, until you have a clearer understanding of your condition.

In summary, while oxygen deprivation is a possible cause of your symptoms, other factors could also be at play. Given the complexity of eye injuries and the potential for complications, it is prudent to have a thorough examination to rule out any serious issues. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help prevent long-term complications. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek further medical attention. Your vision and eye health are paramount, and addressing these issues promptly is crucial for recovery.

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