First Aid for Eye Injuries | National Safety Month

Even if you take all the right precautions, accidents happen that can lead to eye injuries. June is National Safety Month and it is the perfect time to make sure you know what to do for eye injuries. Learning more about first aid and also what not to do can prevent complications and vision loss. Below are the most common types of eye injuries and first aid tips. 

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• Corneal Scratches – Corneal scratches or abrasions can occur after getting something in your eye. In many cases, scratches are minor and heal in a few days. Symptoms may include pain or irritation in the eye, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.

First aid: If you think you have a corneal scratch, rinse your eye with saline solution in case something is still in your eye. Even if you think the scratch is not serious, it’s still your best bet to see your eye doctor. Some scratches may need antibiotic eye drops to prevent an infection. While your eye is healing, do not wear contact lenses.

• Foreign Body in the Eye – A foreign body in the eye is one of the most common eye injuries. It’s easy for a bit of sand, dust, or dirt to get into the eye. Other foreign bodies that may get into the eyes include insects and metal or wood shavings. Symptoms may include discomfort, tearing, and feeling as if something is stuck in the eye.

First aid: For certain types of foreign bodies, such as sand or dirt, flushing the eye with water may remove the particle. Blinking often may also help remove the foreign body. You can also try lifting the upper eyelid over the lashes of the lower lid, which may help remove the particle. If you are unable to flush the particle out, see an eye doctor.

• Chemical Burns – Chemical burns can occur if a material splashes into the eyes, which is why it is essential to wear safety goggles when working with chemicals. Symptoms include pain, burning, and blurry vision.

First aid: Chemical burns can be very serious and lead to vision loss. Flush the eye well for at least 15 minutes with clean water and seek emergency treatment immediately. Don’t wait for an appointment with an eye doctor. Get to the emergency room.

• Trauma to the Eye – Trauma to the eye can affect the bones around the eye socket or the globe of the eye. Trauma to the eye can occur for a variety of reasons including a fight, sports, and falls. Symptoms can vary and may include bleeding, bruising, and pain.

First aid: Gently apply a cold compress to decrease swelling and seek professional medical treatment. While you wait, do not place pressure on the eye or rub it.  
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Signs of a Serious Eye Injury 

Many eye injuries are minor, such as getting a few specks of dirt into the eye. But serious eye injuries can also occur. In some cases, it’s obvious a person sustained a significant eye injury. If you or anyone else has any of the signs below, seek immediate medical help.

• Blood in the center portion of the eye
• Ongoing pain
• Difficulty seeing
• A torn eyelid
• One eye that does not move as well as the other 

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Dos and Don’ts for Eye Injuries

Although first aid may be different depending on the type of eye injury, there are some common dos and don’ts.

• Don’t remove something that is stuck in the eyeball.
• Do look at the eye for signs of an injury that may not be obvious at first.
• Don’t put pressure on the eye after an injury.
• Do lightly place a protective shield over the eye if it has been punctured to protect it.
• Don’t rub the eye after an injury.
• Do see an eye doctor if you’re in doubt about the seriousness of an injury.

We hope we gave you helpful information in the event you or someone you’re with sustains an eye injury. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our eye doctors, please give us a call at 508-746-8600. 
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