In a video posted on Instagra, Dr. Ygal Boujnah (@dr.boujnah.ophtalmo) shows a birthday scene of Kimi Antonelli, an F1 driver who receives a jet of high-pressure water in the eyes to wash away an avalanche of cream received by colleagues. Rinsing with a powerful jet directed towards the eyes makes the ophthalmologist react because beyond the joke, it can become a real eye trauma.
Why a powerful jet towards the eyes can do damage
In the video, the ophthalmologist explains that the scaling itself is not what worries him the most. There is nuance: a cream splashed into the eye can irritate the ocular surface, but the action that really poses a problem is the rinsing carried out afterwards with a very powerful jet directly towards the face.
On a medical level, a pressurized jet sent towards the eyes is not trivial. Even if it is “only” water or a liquid, the energy of the jet can cause a shock to the eye. The severity depends in particular on the jet power, distance and area hit. The more direct and closer the impact, the more the risk increases.
Possible lesions range from corneal irritation or trauma to deeper damage. After a shock, we can observe a corneal abrasioninflammation, bleeding in the eye, and in the most severe situations damage to the lens or retina.
However, be careful not to overinterpret the video. The jet can explain a sensation of blur, pain or dazzle, but the images do not confirm a specific lesion or the certain cause of a visual disturbance. Only a medical examination can tell what really happened.
Actions to avoid and signs that should alert
The scene above all reminds us of a simple rule: do not direct a powerful jet towards the eyes, even to “rinse quickly” after a joke. A violent projection into the eye may be enough to cause an injury, without there being a chemical or sharp object.
Another warning given in the video: avoid pushing someone’s face into a cakeespecially if it may contain internal candles, picks, rods or supports. The risk is not the cake itself, but what may be hidden within it or within sight.
In practice, the prevention reflexes are simple:
- Never aim a pressure jet at your face, even as a joke;
- Avoid harsh rinsing directed towards the eyes after cream, foam or any other product;
- Do not push someone’s head into a cake, especially if its composition is not perfectly visible;
- Take a visual complaint after a shock seriously, even if the scene seemed innocuous;
- Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
The signs that should be consulted are clear:
severe pain, red eye, photophobia or blurred vision after a shock. In this case, it is necessary
consult quicklythe same day if possible, an ophthalmologist or an emergency service. This also applies if the person says they see blurry after the impact, even if the eye seems little damaged from the outside.
It’s not about dramatizing every birthday party. But near the eyes, a physical joke leaves little margin: the cornea, the lens and the retina are fragile structures, and pain or loss of vision should not be trivialized. To prolong good reflexes, signs such as pain, redness or loss of vision after a shock always warrant special attention.