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Eye Injury First Aid: What to do in case of an emergency

January 30, 2024

What is an eye injury?

Eye injuries can occur due to bruises, scratches, punctures, or chemical exposures to the eyes. These injuries can be the result of accidents, foreign objects entering the eyes, or while playing certain sports.

Although many eye injuries are minor and can heal at home with rest, some can cause vision loss and require immediate medical attention.

Types of eye injury

Black eye
Corneal abrasion
Injury from a foreign object
Orbital (eye socket) fractures

Symptoms of an eye injury

Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the eye injury

Swelling or pain around the eye
Redness
Hindered eye movement
Bleeding
Blurred vision
Discharge from or around the eye
Bruising
Double vision
Eye pain
Headache
Itchy eyes
Pupils of unequal size
Sensitivity to light
Burning in the eye

Do not do this in case of eye injury

Some do not’s that you should follow in case of an emergency are:

Do not rub your eye or apply pressure on it.
Avoid applying any ointment or taking any medication without a doctor's advice.
Do not take painkillers such as aspirin, voveron, or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as these medicines make your blood thin which may increase the chance of bleeding.
Do not delay. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Eye injury first aid tips in case of emergency

Take necessary actions and follow the tips below if you or someone you know suffers from an eye injury. Make sure to always wash your hands before touching the eye or the eyelid.

When foreign objects enter the eye or eyelid

In most cases, when a foreign object or speck of dust enters your eye, your eye naturally gets rid of it by blinking and tearing. However, if the particle does not come out on its own, there are some tips you can follow to help examine someone else's eyes in such a situation.

Examine the eyes in a well-lit area or use a torch and do not press the eye.
To locate the stuck particle ask the person to look up down and then from side to side.
If you still cannot find the particle, gently hold the lower eyelid and pull it down to look under the lower eyelid. To look under the upper eyelid ask the person to open both eyes and look down.
Gently try to rinse the eyes with clean water.
If discomfort or blurred vision continues get medical help immediately.

When particles get stuck or embedded in the eyes

Calm the person.
Refrain from touching the affected eye or applying pressure on it.
Rince the eye with cold water.
Delicately bandage both eyes to prevent eye movement.
Do not delay. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Chemical splash in the eye

Clean your eyes with cold water. Open the eyelid of the person, and allow the running to flush the ye for 10 -15 mins.
If the person is wearing contact lenses ask the person to remove the lens after washing the eye.
If the chemical is on the other parts of the body ask the person to take a shower.
Do not delay. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Eyelid cut

Nicely wash the eyelid.
Do not apply pressure on the eyeball because there might be the possibility cut may have also gone through the eyeball.
If the cut is bleeding apply a clean dry cloth on the affected area until the bleeding stops.
Bandage the affected area with a clean dressing.
Then place an ice pack or cold pack on the dressing to reduce pain and swelling.
Do not delay. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Physical trauma or blow to the eyes

Place a cold compress on the eye to reduce the swelling and pain.
Do not apply pressure on the eye.
If the blood is getting pooled inside the eye, cover both eyes with a clean cloth.
Don't delay and seek the help of an eye doctor immediately.

Tips to prevent eye injury

Always wear eye gear to protect your eyes when:

Using hammers or other striking tools
When working with harmful chemicals
When in windy or dusty areas
While playing sports that have high chances of getting hit in the eye with a ball.

When to seek medical intervention

When a scratch, cut or a foreign particle has penetrated the eyeball.
When a chemical gets into the eye.
If eye pain is accompanied by nausea or headache.
If there is blurred vision or double vision.
When there is continuous bleeding.

Conclusion

Our expert eye specialists at God Service Eye Clinic in Kanpur are dedicated to providing immediate attention and care for a range of eye injuries, from minor cuts to severe trauma.

If you experience symptoms like pain, swelling, or blurred vision, don't hesitate to seek our immediate professional assistance. Prioritize your eye safety to protect your vision.