1. You read:
2. Homepage
3. Advisory
4. Eye injuries: a risk that can lead to early cataracts

Eye injuries: a risk that can lead to early cataracts

An eye injury can happen in a split second, but its consequences can last a lifetime. In addition to immediate vision damage, eye trauma can also lead to the early onset of cataracts – a disease more commonly associated with older age. Yet most eye injuries can be easily prevented with proper precautions and protection.

The eye is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable organs in the human body. Although it is protected by the eyelids and partially by the facial bones, eye injuries are not uncommon. Just a moment of inattention – whether at work, during sports, or while doing household chores – can result in trauma that may affect vision temporarily or permanently. The most common eye injuries include mechanical trauma (such as being struck by a ball or a branch), injuries from foreign bodies (wood chips, splinters), as well as chemical burns or burns from sparks during welding or from open flames.

“The consequences of an eye injury vary depending on the type and extent of the trauma – from minor irritation to severe damage to the cornea, iris, or lens. More serious cases can result in permanent vision impairment, infections, or even blindness,” warns Dr Radan Zugar, Chief Doctor at Eye Centre Prague.

Eye injuries and cataracts: an unexpected connection

A lesser-known but serious consequence of certain eye injuries is traumatic cataract. While cataracts (also called lens opacities) usually develop gradually with age, most often appearing after the age of 60, an eye injury can significantly speed up their onset. The delicate structure of the lens may be damaged – for example, by a rupture of its capsule, disruption of its fibres, or changes in its metabolism – leading to clouding. This process can begin immediately after the injury or manifest years later.

Unlike age-related cataracts, post-traumatic cataracts are often more complex – the lens may be fragmented, displaced, or accompanied by other internal eye injuries, such as damage to the iris, vitreous body, or retina. All of this increases the difficulty of surgical treatment and can sometimes affect the final visual outcome. Our doctors also encounter this type of cataract.

“Injuries are among the main causes of cataracts in younger patients, so prevention and consistent eye protection are essential,” warns Chief Doctor Zugar. “Just last week, I operated on two patients – one aged 53 and the other 49 – who had complicated post-traumatic cataracts. One sustained an eye injury from a hockey puck, the other from a boomerang hit.”

In both cases, surgery was necessary to replace the clouded natural lens with an artificial one. With traumatic cataracts, the progression is often unpredictable – which is why long-term patient follow-up is essential.

How to prevent eye injuries? Protection is key

Prevention is key – many eye injuries are unnecessary and can be easily avoided. Here are some basic rules to protect your eyesight:

• Wear protective goggles when playing sports, especially fast ball games (hockey, squash, floorball) or when shooting.

• Use protective equipment at work – especially when grinding, drilling, welding, or working with chemicals.

• Be careful at home when using garden tools, scissors, knives, or when handling sprays and cleaning products.

• Protect your eyes from the sun and UV radiation with high-quality sunglasses that have a UV filter.

• Supervise children during play, especially when they are using sharp, hard, or projectile toys.

  Don’t underestimate even minor eye injuries

  Even a seemingly minor eye injury can have consequences. It is always advisable to have your vision checked by a specialist. A timely examination can detect hidden complications and prevent the condition from worsening.

  • Foreign body in the eye (e.g., insect, wood chip, dust): If it is a loose particle (like an insect or a small wood chip), you can carefully try to rinse it out with clean water or artificial tears. If the object is embedded or stuck (e.g., metal shaving, splinter), do not attempt to remove it. Simply cover the eye with a sterile dressing and seek medical help as soon as possible.

  • Blunt trauma (ball, fist, branch): Even if there is no visible bleeding or wound, the cornea, lens, or retina may be injured. Cool the eye (over the eyelid) and schedule an eye examination as soon as possible.

  • Chemical burn: Immediately flush the eye with lukewarm running water for at least 10–15 minutes – and seek medical help right away.

  • Burn from spark or UV radiation (welding, sun): Eye burns can cause stinging, pain, redness, or light sensitivity and may lead to permanent corneal damage. Cover the eye, apply a cold compress, and seek an eye doctor as soon as possible.

  If you have sustained an eye injury, have your vision checked regularly – even if you have no obvious symptoms. Some complications, including the risk of developing cataracts, may appear only after some time. A timely visit to an eye doctor can be the best prevention.