Blow to the eye

You can suffer an eye injury for a variety of different reasons. For example, you could suffer a fist, ball, or flare in and on your eye. You could also damage your eye as a result of a hard fall or a small object. A small object is often more dangerous than a large object, as it fits snugly into your eye socket. A blow to the eye means something or someone has hit your eye hard. This can cause mild to serious symptoms.

If you’ve had a blow to the eye you may suffer from:

• A bruised eye.
• A teary eye.
• A red eye.
• Impaired vision. For example, your vision is blurred or you see stars.
• Double vision.
• Flashes.
• A dilated or constricted pupil. Compare your eye to your undamaged eye.
• A distorted pupil.
• An eye which looks different. For example, your eye may bulge out or be skewed.
• A torn eyelid.

If you’ve suffered a blow to the eye, we recommend that you:

• Check your eye. Have someone else check it for you if you can’t. Contact your GP if your eye appears abnormal.
• Cool your eye. Do this by placing a cold and damp wash cloth on your eye.
• Take paracetamol in case of severe pain. Always read the package leaflet before taking a paracetamol. That’s because the permitted dosage will differ per age group.

You don’t need to contact a doctor or your GP if there’s nothing seriously wrong with your eye. However, you must get in touch if:

• You have severe pain.
• You are nauseous from the pain.
• Your eye is swollen.
• You can no longer tolerate light.
• Your vision has changed. For example, you’re suffering from blurred or double vision.
• You’re starting to see spots and/or flashes.
• Your pupil is larger or smaller than your other pupil.
• Your pupil is deformed.
• You have blood under your iris.
• You have a ruptured eyelid.
• Your retina detaches.
• You start developing symptoms again after your GP has diagnosed an eye contusion.

Your GP will refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye specialist if necessary.