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Speedy and appropriate treatment of an eye injury may prevent serious complications and even loss of sight. The following chart is a quick reference to emergency procedures.
Specks in the eye (dirt, an eyelash, cosmetic particles, lint, etc.):
DO lift upper eyelid outward and down over lid.
DO let tears wash out speck or particle.
DO if it doesn't wash out - keep eye closed, bandage lightly and see a doctor.
DO NOT rub eye.
Blows to the eye:
DO apply cold compresses immediately, for 15 minutes; again each hour as needed to reduce pain and swelling.
DO in case of discoloration or black eye, which could mean internal damage to the eye see a doctor.
Cuts and punctures to the eye or lid:
DO bandage lightly and see a doctor immediately.
DO NOT wash out eye with water.
DO NOT try to remove an object stuck in the eye.
DO protect the eye with shield (such as a styrofoam cup).
Chemical burns:
Eye damage from chemical burns may be extremely serious, as from alkalis or caustic acids, or less severe, as from chemical irritants.
DO flood the eye with water immediately, continuously and gently, for at least 15 minutes. Hold head under faucet or pour water into the eye using any clean container. Keep eye open as widely as possible during flooding. (See steps for flushing eye with water, below.)
DO NOT use an eye cup.
DO NOT bandage the eye.
Steps for flushing eye with water:
Victim should lie down with head turned to the side, injured eye down.
Hold injured eye open with thumb and forefinger.
Using a clean container, gently pour warm water over the eye, from the inside corner to the outside corner. Continue flushing with water for 15 minutes.
Loosely bandage the eye.
Or: Turn on a garden hose (use low pressure), bend over and place the eye under a continual flush. Indoors, use shower. Continue for 15 minutes.
Protective eyewear:
Eye guards for home use are available at hardware and home-improvement centers, safety equipment supply stores and optical shops. Here's what you need to know:
1. Purchase only eye guards labeled 'ANSI Z-87.' For sports, look for ASTM label.
2. To protect against flying objects, choose goggles or safety glasses with sides.
3. Protective eyewear can be formulated wit your eyeglass prescription.
4. Most eye guards are made of polycarbonate, a thin, lightweight plastic that is ten times more impact resistant than other plastic lens materials.
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First Aid for Eye Emergencies