Types of Eye Injuries in Construction Accidents
Eye injuries on construction sites range in severity from mild irritation to complete blindness. Common types include:
- Corneal Abrasions – Scratches on the cornea caused by foreign particles such as dust, sand, or metal shavings. These injuries can lead to infection, pain, and temporary vision impairment. If left untreated, corneal abrasions can develop into corneal ulcers, which may cause permanent scarring and further vision loss. Immediate medical treatment with antibiotic eye drops is vital to prevent complications.
- Chemical Burns – Exposure to corrosive chemicals can cause severe burns to the eye’s surface, leading to permanent scarring, reduced vision, and in some cases, total blindness. Chemical burns often result in extreme pain, excessive tearing, and difficulty keeping the eye open. Depending on the severity, these injuries may require surgical procedures such as corneal transplants to restore vision.
- Penetrating Injuries – Sharp objects like nails, glass shards, or splinters can pierce the eye, causing severe structural damage that may require surgical intervention. These injuries often result in permanent vision loss. In some cases, an eye that sustains a penetrating injury may develop sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare condition where the immune system attacks the healthy eye, leading to vision loss in both eyes.
- Blunt Trauma Injuries – A strong impact to the eye can lead to orbital fractures, retinal detachment, or hyphemia (bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eye). These conditions can cause lasting visual impairment and may require emergency surgery. Blunt force trauma can also lead to traumatic optic neuropathy, where damage to the optic nerve results in partial or complete blindness.
- Photokeratitis – Overexposure to UV radiation, particularly from welding or prolonged sun exposure, can burn the cornea. Symptoms include intense pain, redness, and temporary vision loss, similar to a severe sunburn on the eye. Repeated exposure without proper protection increases the risk of developing cataracts. Wearing appropriate UV-blocking eyewear is essential for welders and outdoor construction workers.
- Optic Nerve Damage – Severe trauma to the head or direct impact to the eye can damage the optic nerve, leading to partial or complete vision loss. This type of injury can occur due to falls, blunt force trauma, or high-velocity impacts from construction tools. Once the optic nerve is damaged, vision loss is generally permanent, and the available treatments are limited.
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage – When small blood vessels in the eye rupture due to trauma or excessive pressure, they cause bleeding under the conjunctiva, leading to red patches on the eye’s surface. Repeated occurrences may indicate underlying damage to the eye’s internal structures. In severe cases, the hemorrhage may signal a more serious injury, such as internal bleeding or increased intraocular pressure.
- Retinal Detachment – A traumatic blow to the eye can cause the retina to separate from the underlying tissue, leading to blurred vision, floaters, and potential blindness if not treated urgently. Symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, dark shadows, or loss of peripheral vision indicate an emergency requiring immediate surgery. Delayed treatment can lead to irreversible blindness.
