Should objects like pencils be immediately removed if they penetrate the eye?

Answer: In principle, foreign objects embedded in the eyeball should not be forcibly pulled out. Instead, cover the affected eye with a clean glass, place gauze over it, secure it with a bandage, and seek medical attention promptly. Minimize walking and opt for transportation whenever possible.

What should be done if something gets into the eye?

Answer: Commonly referred to as "something in the eye," this is medically known as a conjunctival sac foreign body. When dust or sand blows into the eye, the irritation often leads to involuntary rubbing with hands or handkerchiefs. This not only fails to resolve the issue but may also cause corneal abrasions or even embedded foreign bodies. The correct approach is to gently close the eyes or blink lightly, allowing superficial foreign bodies to be washed away by tears. Alternatively, pinch the upper eyelid with two fingers, gently lift it forward, and have an assistant blow lightly into the eye to stimulate tearing and flush out the dust. If this method is ineffective, lift the eyelid to directly locate the foreign body. First, ask the patient to look upward, then gently pull down the lower eyelid to search for the foreign body. Pay special attention to the folds at the junction of the lower eyelid and the eyeball, as foreign bodies often lodge there. If not found, lift the upper eyelid to inspect the eyelid margins and the white of the eye. Once located, use a clean corner of a handkerchief to gently remove the foreign body. If a corneal foreign body is present, it should be extracted as soon as possible.

Should warm or cold compresses be applied for swollen eyes from trauma or bruising after cosmetic eye surgery?Answer: I encountered a patient who underwent canthoplasty and developed conjunctival congestion and bruising of the lower eyelid postoperatively. Cold compresses were recommended, and the condition gradually improved over two weeks. When the eye area is struck by external force, the rich vascular network in the surrounding tissues often leads to subcutaneous bleeding and significant bruising. In such cases, avoid massaging or applying warm compresses, as this may worsen the subcutaneous hematoma. Instead, immediately apply an ice pack or cold towel for localized cold compresses to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses to promote the absorption of localized blood clots.

What should be done if disinfectant splashes into the eye while working at home?

Answer: In daily life, substances such as toilet cleaner, fruit juice, laundry detergent, antifungal solutions, or lime may accidentally splash or drip into the eyes. These chemicals can immediately cause severe irritation, including eye pain, burning sensations, tearing, and difficulty opening the eyes. Chemical damage to the eyes is serious, with alkaline burns generally being more severe than acid burns. In the event of a chemical burn, act quickly using available resources. Rinse the eye thoroughly and repeatedly with copious amounts of clean water. During rinsing, lift the eyelid and rotate the eyeball to expose the fornix, ensuring the chemical is completely flushed from the conjunctival sac. After self-administered first aid, seek immediate medical attention at a relevant hospital for further systematic treatment.

Is it true that if one eye is injured and loses vision, the other eye may also go blind?

It is possible. Medically, this is known as "sympathetic ophthalmia." When one eye suffers a penetrating injury, the body's immune system may trigger inflammation in the other eye, potentially leading to blindness. This condition typically occurs 2 to 8 weeks after the injury. Therefore, after an eye injury, timely suturing is essential, and close attention should be paid to the vision of the unaffected eye. Seek medical help promptly if any issues arise.