A poke in the eye can be more than painful; it can lead to vision loss or even loss of the eye itself. Any blow to the eye should be followed up by a visit to an ophthalmologist, who can look inside the eye to check for damage. If an object actually penetrates the eye, severe infection can occur, threatening loss of the eye.
Corneal Abrasion
Corneal abrasion is a scratch or tear in the cornea, the dome-shaped tissue that covers the iris, the colored part of the eye. Corneal abrasions are often caused by a finger poke in the eye, or an object scratching or tearing the cornea. A corneal abrasion is extremely painful; the eye waters excessively, is very light sensitive and is difficult to keep open. Antibiotic ointment and patching the eye for a day, until the cornea heals, is the usual treatment. Patching keeps the eye closed, which decreases discomfort.
Endophthalmitis
Infection can result from any object penetrating or being embedded in the eye. Infection inside the eye is called endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis causes severe pain, light sensitivity and decreased vision, the Merck Manual states. Any penetrating trauma to the eye can cause endophthalmitis, but the chances of developing it are much higher if a dirty object enters the eye. Endophthalmitis needs prompt treatment with antibiotics. Vision can be permanently lost from endophthlamitis; in rare cases, the eye may need to be removed.
Gobe Injury
A globe injury such as blunt trauma to the eye or a penetrating injury tears the outer wall of the eye, the sclera, or the covering over the front of the eye, the cornea. Rupture of the globe causes pain and vision loss. Globe rupture is diagnosed by blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, a dilated pupil and low eye pressure. Subconjunctival hemorrhage, bleeding into the white part of the eye, may occur. Antibiotics are used to prevent endophthalmitis; surgical repair of the globe may be necessary. A severely damaged globe may need to be removed.
Retinal Detachment
A strong blow to the eye can detach the retina, the layer of photosensitive cells that lines the back of the eye. Vision is lost in the area affected by the detachment. Retinal detachment is an emergency that needs prompt treatment to reattach the retina to the back of the eye, or significant vision may be permanently lost. Retinal detachment is treated in several ways, depending on the extent of the detachment. A laser may be used to reattach a small section of detachment; a complete retinal detachment requires surgical repair.
