Eye Injury — Reference Guide

 Eye Injury

Learn how to respond to common eye injuries safely and effectively

?️‍?️ Common Types of Eye Injuries

  • Foreign objects (dust, grit, metal, etc.)
  • Chemical splashes (cleaners, solvents)
  • Blunt trauma (e.g., sports injury)
  • Cuts or punctures
  • Burns from heat or light (e.g., welding)

? General Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain or redness
  • Blurred vision or vision loss
  • Tearing or discharge
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Bleeding from the eye or eyelid
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensation of something in the eye

? Foreign Object in the Eye

✅ What to Do

  • Do not rub the eye.
  • Blink repeatedly to try dislodging it.
  • Gently rinse the eye with clean water or saline.
  • Pull upper eyelid over lower to encourage tears to flush it out.

❌ Do NOT

  • Do not use fingers or tools.
  • Do not try to remove embedded objects.

? Chemical Burn

✅ What to Do

  • Immediately flush the eye with cool running water or saline.
  • Tilt the head so water runs away from the other eye.
  • Rinse for at least 20 minutes.
  • Remove contact lenses if easy to do.

? Then: Get urgent medical help or call 999.

? Blunt Trauma (e.g., punched or hit)

✅ What to Do

  • Apply a cold compress (wrapped in cloth) to reduce swelling.
  • Ask the person to keep their head still and eyes closed.
  • Monitor for signs of serious injury.

❌ Do NOT

  • Do not apply pressure to the eyeball.
  • Do not allow the person to rub their eye.

? Cut or Puncture

✅ What to Do

  • Cover the eye gently with a clean, sterile pad or eye shield.
  • Keep both eyes closed to prevent movement.
  • Support the head to avoid jarring.

❌ Do NOT

  • Do not apply pressure.
  • Do not attempt to remove anything stuck in the eye.

? Call 999 or get urgent medical help.

? Seek Immediate Medical Help If:

  • Vision is affected (blurred, double, or lost)
  • There's blood in the eye
  • An object is embedded
  • The eye is bulging or misshapen
  • There’s chemical exposure
  • Pain is severe or persistent

? Useful Tips

  • Always wear eye protection during hazardous tasks.
  • Know the location of the eyewash station in workplaces.
  • If unsure, always err on the side of caution and seek medical advice.

© 2025 First Aid For All | Skills for Life

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