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.