Eye Injuries: What to Do When Your Nail Scratches Your Eye - Ophthalmology

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When you accidentally scratch your eye with your nail, it can be a concerning experience. The immediate appearance of a red spot on the white part of your eye, known as the sclera, can resemble a bruise or hemorrhage. This condition is often referred to as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which occurs when small blood vessels break under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the sclera). While it can look alarming, in many cases, it is not serious and does not typically affect vision.


Immediate Steps to Take
1. Do Not Rub Your Eye: It's crucial to avoid rubbing your eye, as this can exacerbate the injury or introduce bacteria, leading to infection.

2. Rinse Your Eye: If you feel any discomfort or if there is a foreign body sensation, gently rinse your eye with clean water or saline solution. This can help remove any debris that may have entered the eye during the incident.

3. Assess Your Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience persistent pain, changes in vision, increased redness, or discharge, it’s essential to seek medical attention.

4. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the area around your eye can help reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort.


When to Seek Medical Attention
While many minor eye injuries can heal on their own, certain symptoms warrant a visit to an eye care professional:
- Vision Changes: If you notice blurred vision, double vision, or any other changes in your eyesight, you should see a doctor immediately.

- Severe Pain: Intense pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief may indicate a more serious injury.

- Persistent Redness or Discharge: If the redness does not subside or if you develop a discharge, it could indicate an infection or other complications.

- Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light can be a sign of a more serious issue.


Potential Complications
In most cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage will resolve on its own within one to two weeks without treatment. However, if the injury is more severe, it could potentially lead to complications such as:
- Corneal Abrasion: If the scratch was deep enough to affect the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), it could lead to a corneal abrasion, which can be painful and may require treatment.

- Infection: Any injury to the eye can increase the risk of infection, especially if there is a break in the surface of the eye.

- Retinal Detachment: Although rare, significant trauma to the eye can lead to retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.


Conclusion
In summary, while a scratch from a nail can cause temporary discomfort and visible changes to the eye, it is often not serious if there are no accompanying symptoms like vision changes or severe pain. However, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you have any doubts about the severity of your injury or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to consult an eye care professional. Regular eye check-ups and being mindful of eye safety during activities can help prevent such injuries in the future.