First Aid for Eye Injuries

Correct treatment for an eye injury immediately following an accident can prevent loss of sight. Specks in the eye - Do not rub your eye. Lift the upper lid over the lower lid allowing the lower lashes to brush the speck off the inside of the upper lid. Blink a few times and let the eye move the particle out. If the speck remains, keep your eye closed and seek medical help.

Cuts of the eye and lid - Seek medical help immediately. 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. Be careful not to rub the eye.

Blows to the eye - Immediately apply an ice compress to the eye to reduce pain and swelling. A black eye or blurred vision can be a sign of damage inside the eye. See your ophthalmologist immediately.

Chemical burns - Flood the eye with water immediately, using your fingers to keep the eye open as wide as possible. Hold your head under a faucet or shower, or pour water gently into the eye from a container for at least fifteen minutes. Roll the eyeball as much as possible to wash out the eye. Do not use an eye cup, or bandage the eye. Seek medical help immediately.

It is important to remember that first aid is immediate treatment that is given "first," until experienced medical help is available.

Summary - When an accident involves the eye, you should get medical help immediately if there is pain or any question of eye or vision damage. Prompt, proper treatment of eye injuries can save vision. The most effective treatment for eye injuries is prevention

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rev. Sept 2007

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