On December 30, Saigon Da Lat Eye Hospital (Lam Dong province) said that recently the unit has received and treated many people with eye injuries during coffee harvesting. Among them, at least 4 cases had to be hospitalized for emergency treatment with different levels of injury.
Patients with injuries from mild corneal infection to suspected fungal corneal ulcers and conjunctival tears must undergo surgery.
Typically, the case of patient P.T.Y.K who was hit in the eye by a coffee branch while picking coffee but self-monitored at home even though his eyes were sore and red for a long time. When admitted to the hospital, the condition had progressed severely and was diagnosed with keratitis ulcers suspected to be caused by fungus.
According to doctors, this is a dangerous complication, often requires prolonged treatment and risks leaving corneal scars; if not treated early, it can seriously affect vision.
Another case is patient N.V.L (32 years old, residing in Tan Ha commune - Lam Ha) who was stroked in the eye by a fallen tree branch while harvesting coffee, causing pain and bleeding. After that, the family took the patient to the hospital in time.
Through examination, doctors determined that the patient had keratitis and widespread conjunctival tears, requiring conjunctival suture surgery and medication treatment to control bleeding and prevent infection.
Doctor Tran Thi Khanh Linh - Deputy Professional Director of Saigon Da Lat Eye Hospital - said that eye injuries caused by tree branches during gardening and coffee harvesting not only cause mechanical damage but also pose a potential risk of infection with fungi and bacteria from soil and plants.
Early hospitalization and proper treatment are important in preserving vision and preventing complications. Doctors recommend that people wear protective glasses when working outdoors.
If symptoms of pain, dizziness, red eyes, tears or bleeding appear, do not rub your eyes, do not arbitrarily remove foreign objects or inject drugs arbitrarily, but go to an ophthalmology facility for examination and timely treatment.
