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 as soon as possible. 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, which not only fails to resolve the issue but may also cause corneal scratches or even corneal foreign bodies. The correct approach is as follows: First, gently close the eyes or blink slightly to allow 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. 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 check 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 removed as soon as possible.

Should cold or warm compresses be applied for swollen eyes from injury or bruising after external eye cosmetic surgery?Answer: I once encountered a patient who underwent canthoplasty and developed conjunctival congestion and bruising on the lower eyelid post-surgery. I recommended cold compresses, and the condition gradually improved over two weeks. When the eye area is struck by external force, the rich vascular distribution 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 a cold towel for local cold compression to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses to promote the absorption of localized bruising.

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

Answer: In daily life, incidents such as toilet cleaner, fruit juice, laundry detergent, antifungal solution, or lime splashing or accidentally dripping into the eyes are common. These substances can immediately cause severe irritation symptoms, such as eye pain, burning sensation, 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 immediately using available resources. Rinse the eyes repeatedly with plenty of clean water without delay. During rinsing, lift the eyelids and rotate the eyeballs to expose the fornix, ensuring thorough removal of the chemical from the conjunctival sac. After self-administered first aid, seek further systematic treatment at a relevant hospital promptly.

Is it true that if one eye is injured and goes blind, the other eye will also go blind?

It is possible. Medically, this is referred to as "sympathetic ophthalmia." In cases of penetrating injury to one eye, due to the systemic immune response, the other eye may develop inflammation leading to blindness. This often 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 other eye. Seek medical attention promptly if any issues arise.