Definition

• Injuries to the eye, eyelid, and area around the eye

Health Information

Types of Injuries

• Scratch and small cut of the eyelids or area around the eyelids
• Bruise of the eyelids (“black eye”)
• Scratch or bruise (flame-shaped) of the white of the eye (sclera)
• Scratch of clear part (cornea) of the eye in front of the iris. The medical name for this is a corneal abrasion.
• The main concern is whether the vision was damaged.
• Older children can tell us if their vision is blurred or out of focus. You can test this at home. Cover each eye in turn and have them look at a distant object.
• Children less than 5 years often need to be examined to check the vision.

Symptoms

• The main symptom is pain.
• Tearing and blinking can also occur for a few minutes.

Prevention

• Careful adult supervision of young children
• Education of older children about high risk behaviors

Care Advice

1. Small Cuts, Scratches or Scrapes:
   • For any bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Use a gauze pad or clean cloth. Press for 10 minutes or until the bleeding has stopped.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Protect the eye with a clean cloth.
   • For cuts or scrapes, use an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin. No prescription is needed.
   • Put it on the cut 3 times a day. Do this for 3 days.
   • Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid. Change daily.
2. Swelling or Bruises with Intact Skin (including a Black Eye):
   • Put a cold pack or ice wrapped in a wet cloth on the eye. Do this for 20 minutes. This will help stop the bleeding and swelling. Repeat as needed.
   • A black eye usually takes 1 to 2 days to occur.
   • A flame-shaped bruise of the white of the eyeball is also common.
   • After 48 hours, use a warm wet cloth for 10 minutes. Do this 3 times per day. Reason: To help reabsorb the blood.
3. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
4. What to Expect:
   • Minor cuts and scratches, as well as bruises, are harmless.
   • They last about 2 weeks.
   • They do not need any medicine to help them go away.

Call Your Doctor If

• Pain becomes severe
• Changes in vision occur
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

 #AAP