Knowing what to do immediately in the event of eye injuries or irritations can prevent vision loss and help ensure that damage is kept to a minimum. While severe eye injuries will require emergency medical attention, there are a number of first-aid procedures that need to be done as soon as possible depending on the situation.
Something in Your Eye
It is common to get a foreign substance trapped on the surface of the eye that causes irritation. This could be dirt, sand or some other substance.
The first instinct will be to rub the eyes, but this should be avoided as it causes further irritation and can scratch the surface of the eye. First wash your thoroughly with soap and water to prevent more debris getting into the eye and possibly causing infection.
It may be possible for your eyes to flush the object out naturally with tears. To induce tears pull your upper eyelid down and over the lower eyelid to begin the flow and see if tears will wash it out. Otherwise, rinse the eye over a sink with warm (not hot) water.
If you are able to physically see the object causing the irritation, you may use a damp washcloth to wipe the object away while holding your eye open. If you are unable to relieve the situation, then see a doctor as soon as possible.
Chemical Exposure
Chemicals can cause burns to the surface of the eye and will require medical attention to help prevent loss of eyesight or physical damage to the eye itself. The proper first-aid response to such exposure is to flush the eye with water or any drinkable liquid that is immediately on hand, according to PreventBlindness.org.
If you have immediate access to a shower, hold the eye under running water to dilute the chemical and flush it from the eye completely. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes. If you are wearing contact lenses, begin flushing on top of the lens and it will most likely wash away.
Do not bandage of otherwise cover the eye. Seek medical attention after thorough flushing is complete.
Blows to the Eye
When eye injury is the result of a direct blow to the eye, a cold compress is your best bet. Tape a bag of ice to your head so it rests comfortably on the injured eye to reduce pain and swelling.
If you develop a black eye, or experience continued pain or reduced vision, this could mean you have an internal injury to the eye and should seek medical attention at once.
Eye Penetration
When glass, metal, a pencil or any other object has penetrated the eye, try to remain calm. Phone for emergency help immediately and do not wash the eye with any liquids. Cover the injury with something protective that does not actually touch the eye. A paper cup taped in place would be sufficient, according to KidsHealth.org. Do not touch the object or the eye and try to keep as much pressure off the injury as possible.
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