Eye Injury: First Aid

To lessen the risk of permanent damage caused by eye injuries, it is important to treat eye injuries immediately. Consult your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

First-aid for cuts in or around the eye:

• Bandage the eye gently.
• Do not rub the eye or apply pressure.
• Do not try to remove any particles.
• Do not wash out the eye.

First-aid when foreign particles enter the eye:

• Pull the upper lid down onto lower lid and let lower eyelashes sweep away the particle by blinking repeatedly.
• Let tears wash out the speck or particle, or use an eye wash.
• Close your eye and seek medical attention immediately if the above procedure does not work.
• Do not rub the eye.

First-aid for chemical splashes:

• Use fingers to separates lids, then flush the eye with water from a faucet or clean container.
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Do not cover the eye.

First-aid for physical trauma to the eye:

• Gently apply small cold compresses without pressure immediately to reduce pain and swelling.
• Contact your ophthalmologist or primary care physician immediately.