Introduction

Eye injuries can occur in many settings, including at home, at work or when playing sports.

Common types of eye injury include:

  • blows to the eye such as being hit by a fist, elbow or ball
  • scratches and abrasions such as from fingernails or tree branches
  • foreign bodies such as small pieces of grit, wood or metal getting in the eye
  • penetrating or cutting injuries such as cuts from glass or projectiles flung from tools, especially when hammering or using power tools
  • chemical burns such as exposure to household cleaning products
  • radiation exposure such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sun lamps

Wearing contact lenses incorrectly can also injure your eyes, particularly if they're dirty, don't fit properly or have been worn for too long.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 25 Nov 2016