A full dilated eye exam is indicated with all blunt trauma. A penetrating ocular injury is when an object goes through the outer structures of the eye and enters the internal chamber of the eye. This is particularly dangerous because the opening now allows external agents to enter the sterile internal eye. The eye can be penetrated by something small such as a metal BB or small piece of glass or something more obvious such as a nail, fishhook or any sharp implement. It is important not to attempt to remove any item that has penetrated the eye.
Surgical intervention is required.
The eye is very sensitive to ultraviolet and thermal energy. During activities such as skiing, mountaineering or sailing the eye is exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light. Sunglasses are often darkly tinted to reduce the light entering the eye and coated with a special coating to block ultraviolet light. Some sunglasses are even coated with a mirror surface to reflect additional light. Without the proper eye protection the eye can become red, painful and inflamed.