First Aid For Eye Injury

Injuries to the eye - no matter what the cause - require immediate medical attention. When irritated by any substance, however, the eye should be washed for at least 20 minutes before going for medical attention or while waiting for medical assistance to arrive. Eye injuries can be frightening for the victim. Be sure to calm and assure the victim as best you can. Eye pain can also be caused by medical problems, like glaucoma, so always get medical attention if you have eye pain.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Pain
- Excess blinking, tearing
- Bleeding, redness, swelling
- Vision problems
- Sensitivity to light

Tips:
- Do not attempt to remove an object from the eye with any liquid other than sterile eyewash or clean water.
- Do not delay in washing an irritant from the eye.
- Do not attempt to pull out any object stuck in the eyeball.
- Do not rub painful eye(s).
- Never apply pressure to the eyeball, even to stop bleeding.

Object In Eye
- Flush eye:
- Use sterile eyewash or clean water.
- Gently flush from the inner area of the eye next to the nose to the outer area.
- As you flush, pull down lower lid and lift the upper lid.
- Ask victim to roll eyes around.
- Get medical attention if the object isn't removed or irritation persists.

Chemical Burns Of The Eye
- Don't delay. Begin flushing immediately. Hold the lids open and pour fresh water over eye or position under slowly running water. Water should flow from the inner area of the eye next to the nose to the outer area, to avoid contamination of the other eye.
- Flush with copious amounts of tap water for at least 15 continuous minutes or until medical help arrives.
- Contact Poison Help Center. Get medical attention for any chemical burns of the eyes.

Cuts Of The Eye Or Eyelid
- Gently apply dry sterile bandage and clean cold compress to area.
- Keep both eyes closed.
- Get medical attention immediately.

Impaled Object In Eye
- Cover object protruding from eyeball without touching either the eye or the object, using a paper cup or similar object that won't disturb the imbedded object.
- Cover both eyes with dry sterile dressing to prevent natural movement by injured eye.
- Get medical attention immediately.