EYE CONDITIONS

FIRST AID FOR EYE INJURIES

Burns

Chemicals can cause severe injury to eyes in minutes. Once the eye has come in contact with a chemical, it should be flushed with a continuous stream of water (or any cool liquid) for 15 minutes. Be sure the eyelids are open and the flow of cool liquids streams over the eye itself. The injured person should seek medical attention promptly.

If a flame has burned a person’s eye, chances are the eyelid and face have also been burned. It is important that the injured person gently cools the skin by either pouring cool water on, or by applying cool, wet compresses to the affected areas. The injured person should seek medical attention promptly.

Cuts & Penetrating Injuries

If a foreign object enters a person’s eye, or if a person’s eye is cut, he or she should make a temporary shield to protect the affected eye from rubbing and bumping. Taping the bottom of a paper cup or an index card over the eye will work. The injured person should not attempt to clean in or around the eye, but should seek medical attention promptly.

Dirt or Insects in Eye

If a particle of dirt or an insect enters a person’s eye, he or she should resist the temptation to rub the affected eye. The injured person should blink to dislodge the particle and/or lift the upper lid over the lower lid to encourage tearing, which may dislodge the particle. If the condition persists, the injured person should seek medical attention promptly.

Blow to Eye

If a person sustains a blow to the eye, he or she should immediately apply cold compresses to the affected eye and seek medical care to be sure no internal damage has occurred.