Accidents and emergencies happen all the time, and those involving the eyes can be particularly scary and painful. Two common eye injuries that people experience are barley in the eye and hail damage to the eye.
What is Barley in Eye?
Barley in the eye, or hordeolum, is a small bump that forms on the eyelid as a result of bacteria or oil buildup. The bump is usually red, tender to the touch, and situated at the base of an eyelash.
It can be caused by rubbing the eyes with dirty hands, staphylococcus bacteria, or even stress. Barley in the eye may not require any medical treatment and can go away on its own in a week or two. However, the pain can be relieved using a warm compress or antibiotic ointment that can be prescribed by a doctor.
What is Hail Damage to the Eye?
Hail damage to the eye is a type of eye injury that occurs when the eye is hit by hailstones. Depending on the size and speed of the hailstones, hail damage can range from minor bruises to serious injuries requiring medical attention.
The most common symptoms of hail damage to the eye are pain, swelling, redness, and blurred vision. Hail damage can also cause corneal scratches, cataracts, and retinal detachments, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
What’s the difference between Barley in Eye and Hail Damage to the Eye?
Barley in Eye and hail damage to the eye are two distinct eye injuries, albeit some of their symptoms may overlap. The main differences between barley in the eye and hail damage to the eye are:.
Causes
Barley in the eye is caused by bacterial or oil buildup, while hail damage is caused by physical trauma resulting from high-speed impact with hailstones.
Symptoms
The symptoms of barley in the eye include redness, tenderness, and a small bump on the eyelid. The symptoms of hail damage to the eye include pain, swelling, redness, blurred vision, corneal scratches, cataracts, and retinal detachments.
Treatment
Barley in the eye can be relieved with a warm compress or antibiotic ointment prescribed by a doctor. Hail damage to the eye may require medical attention, depending on the extent of the injury.
Treatment for hail damage to the eye may include prescription eye drops, surgery, or other medical procedures.
Prevention
Barley in the eye can be prevented by washing hands frequently, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels and washcloths.
Hail damage to the eye can be prevented by staying indoors during hail storms, wearing protective eyewear when outdoors, parking the car in a covered area during hail storms, and not touching the eyes with dirty hands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, barley in the eye and hail damage to the eye are two different eye injuries that can cause pain and discomfort.
While barley in the eye can be treated with a warm compress or antibiotic ointment, hail damage to the eye may require medical attention, depending on the severity of the injury. The best way to prevent both injuries is to practice good eye hygiene, wear protective eyewear, and avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands.