Eye Injuries: Treatment for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Ocular trauma

Hello, Dr.
Hu.
I would like to ask you about my daughter, who was accidentally injured in the corner of her right eye while playing at school, resulting in a minor laceration.
She has previously been treated for an eye injury, and the doctor prescribed "Oasis Kanti Mai Xin Eye Ointment." We have been applying this ointment to her eye corner injury.
Is it appropriate to use this ointment for a minor laceration in the eye corner?
Today, the child's mother accidentally bumped her right upper eyelid against the corner of a table, resulting in a similar injury.
Her eyelid is swollen with a larger laceration that has bled slightly.
However, since there are no ophthalmology clinics open today due to the Double Tenth holiday, she has also applied the same ointment.
She reports persistent stinging and swelling in her eye.
Is this swelling a normal response following the injury?
Additionally, my daughter has developed a pink scar over the past two days due to neglecting to apply the ointment.
Should we continue using it? I would greatly appreciate your guidance.
Thank you.

JJ, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/10/10

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology

Dear Mr.
JJ,
You mentioned that your child and wife injured the corners of their eyes and are using an ointment for treatment.
Generally speaking, lacerations or tears affect the tissues more deeply than abrasions, and during the healing process, scar tissue will form.
Initially, this scar tissue appears pink and may fade to white over a period of six months to a year.
Therefore, for lacerations on the face, it is usually recommended to remove any foreign bodies from the wound and disinfect it before performing cosmetic suturing.
This is because when the epidermal cells come into contact with each other, there is a chance that scar tissue will not form; even if it does, it is likely to be less severe.
Additionally, since the injury is near the eye, if the eyeball has been impacted, there are other complications to consider, and it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you health and safety.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Hu Yu-Sheng, Ophthalmology

Reply Date: 2006/10/10

More Info

When it comes to minor eye injuries, such as small cuts or scrapes on the eyelid or the corner of the eye, it is essential to approach treatment with caution. Your daughter's and wife's injuries, while seemingly minor, require careful management to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

1. Use of Ointments: The "綠洲康體邁新眼藥膏" (Oasis Eye Ointment) that was prescribed for your daughter may be suitable for minor external injuries, but it is crucial to follow the advice of a healthcare professional. Generally, ointments designed for eye use can help prevent infection and promote healing. However, they should only be applied to the external parts of the eye, such as the eyelids and surrounding skin, and not directly into the eye itself. If there is any doubt about the appropriateness of the ointment for a specific injury, it is best to consult an ophthalmologist.

2. Symptoms of Pain and Swelling: For your wife, who has a more significant injury with swelling and bleeding, it is common to experience some pain and swelling after an impact. This is part of the body's natural inflammatory response to injury. However, if the pain is severe or if the swelling does not improve, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and provide some relief. It is essential to monitor for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge from the wound.

3. Healing and Scarring: The presence of a pink scar on your daughter's eyelid is a normal part of the healing process. Scars can take time to mature and may change in appearance over several months. If the scar is not causing any functional issues, it may not require any specific treatment. However, if you are concerned about its appearance or if it seems to be worsening, consulting a dermatologist or an ophthalmologist may provide options for scar management.

4. Continued Use of Medication: If your daughter has been advised to use the ointment, it is generally safe to continue applying it as directed. However, if there are any signs of an allergic reaction or if the injury appears to worsen, it is crucial to stop using the ointment and seek medical advice.

5. When to Seek Further Help: If either your daughter or wife experiences worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, vision changes, or signs of infection (like pus or excessive redness), it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Eye injuries can sometimes lead to more severe complications, including infections or damage to the eye itself, which may not be immediately apparent.

In summary, while minor cuts and scrapes on the eye area can often be managed at home with proper care and ointments, it is vital to remain vigilant for any signs of complications. If there is any uncertainty about the treatment or if symptoms persist, consulting with an eye care professional is always the best course of action.

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