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Eye Injury

August 2, 2011

Eye Injury

What to do when an eye injury occurs:
Accidents occur to even the most safety-conscious people. When an injury to the eye occurs, prompt and correct treatment can often mean the difference between sight and blindness. Because it is usually difficult to tell how much damage has occurred, it is important to see a doctor as soon as first aid is completed.

The following guidelines will help to insure that you do the right thing until you can get to an emergency room or call your doctor:

When a speck or particle is in the eye:

  • Never rub the eye.

  • Lift the upper lid over the lower lid allowing the eye lashes to brush whatever is in the eye off the inside of the upper lid.

  • Blink a few times and let the eye remove the particle out of the eye.

  • If the particle remains, keep the eye closed and get medical help.
A hit or blow to the eye:


  • Immediately apply an ice cold compress for about 15 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.

  • A black eye or blurred vision can mean that damage has occured. See your doctor right away.
Cuts to the eye or eyelid:

  • Bandage the eye gently with gauze and first aid tape and immediately get medical help.

  • Do not attempt to wash out the eye or remove an object stuck in the eye.

  • Never apply pressure to the injured eye or eyelid and be careful not to rub the eye.
When chemicals splash in the eye:

  • Immediately flood the eye with water, using your fingers to hold the eye open as wide as possible.

  • Hold your head under a faucet or pour water into the eye from any clean container for at least 15 minutes. Roll your eye around as much as possible to wash everything out.

  • Do NOT use an eye cup.

  • Do NOT bandage the eye.

  • Get medical help as soon as you have finished washing the eye.
Protective eyewear saves eyes!
The best way to save your sight is through prevention. Many times accidents could have been prevented if safety glasses or goggles were used. Safety glasses can be purchased with your corrective prescription, if you normally wear glasses, or without any correction, which is called “plano”. Your optician or eye doctor can supply you with safety glasses with corrective lenses.

Goggles – one for use when using chemicals and other liquids and one for protection just against impacts – can usually be found in hardware stores or through the Yellow Pages under the heading Safety Equipment. These goggles fit over regular glasses or can be worn alone.

Invest in safety eyewear for you and your family. It is a small price to pay for saving your most priceless possession – your sight.

This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.


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