First Aid For Eye Injury

First Aid For Eye Injury. It is important to know how to administer emergency first aid for eye injuries so that permanent vision loss can be avoided. Eye Irrigation for at least 15 Minutes is very important © 2019 American Academy of Ophthalmology

First Aid For Eye Injury

 

 

 

There are many causes of eye injuries, including traumatic eye injury (a physical blow to the eye or a foreign object in the eye) and chemical eye injury. When an accident happens, it is important to know how to administer emergency first aid for eye injury so that permanent vision loss can be avoided. Further medical attention should be sought if you experience pain or vision changes.

The most common eye injury is a foreign object in your eye. Most of the time, the particle will work its way out. Do not rub your eye, which will irritate it and rub the particle across your eye's surface, potentially causing scratches and corneal abrasion. First aid for eye injury should always start with flushing your eye.

Gently open and pull your upper eyelid downwards, which should cause your eye to tear up, flushing the foreign body out of the eye. Blink a few times to let the eye move the particle out. If this does not work, try flushing your eye with water. If the object is not embedded in your eye surface, you can attempt to remove it, after first washing your hands.

 

 

If the object is embedded in your eye, do not attempt to remove it; seek medical assistance. In the meantime, keep your eye closed and avoid touching it. Cover the eye with gauze, if the object is small. If the object is too large, cover the eye with a paper cup to prevent pressure from being placed on the eyeball.

If you experience a blow to the eye, apply an ice compress, which will help to reduce both pain and swelling and reduce the appearance of a 'black eye.' If you are away from home and do not have access to ice, a cold can of soda will work.

Do not apply ice directly to the delicate skin of the eyelid. If you experience blurred vision or other vision problems, see an ophthalmologist immediately, as this can indicate damage inside the eye.

In the event of chemical exposure, flush the eyes immediately with plenty of water. Using your fingers, keep your eye as open as possible, and hold your head under a faucet or gently pour water into the eye. Repeat for at least fifteen minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them as quickly as possible.

 

 

Otherwise, the lens may hold the chemical against your eye's cornea, causing extra pain and damage. Dial 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. If possible, take the container of the chemical with you so that the doctor will know what chemical your eye has been exposed to.

If you cut your eye or eyelid, do not try to wash out your eye. Do not apply pressure to the injury, even though pressure is usually applied to stop a cut from bleeding. Cover the eye with clean gauze or a cloth, and seek medical attention.

The eyes are delicate, and even the most common injuries to the eyes can be difficult to treat. In general, it is best to know how to administer first aid for eye injuries so that permanent damages can be avoided. It is important to avoid touching the eye in order to avoid further irritation and to seek medical attention promptly.

 

 

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