Eye Care

When eye injuries occur, knowing how to deal with them can mean the difference between minor eye damage and permanent injury, or even blindness. Here are some first aid suggestions for eye injuries. Please remember, these suggestions are only first aid, and it’s important to contact your doctor as soon as possible for any eye injuries.

• Foreign Object in the Eye: Don't rub your eye. Lift your upper eyelid outward and gently pull it down over the lower lash. This causes tears to flow, often washing the object out. If the object doesn’t wash out, contact your doctor. Do not try to remove a particle that is embedded, as it can cause more damage. If you wear contact lenses, remove and clean them thoroughly before reinserting. If discomfort persists, remove the lens and call your doctor.
• Chemical Splashes: Immediately flush your eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Hold your head under a slowly running tap or pour water slowly from a glass. Seek professional attention immediately. If wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately, then flush your eyes and seek help.
• Blow to the Face (Black Eye): Treat with cold compresses for about 15 minutes every hour. Have your eye checked by a doctor for internal damage. If contact lenses break from the blow, try to remove the pieces immediately by rinsing with water, then call your doctor.
• Cut, Laceration, or Penetrating Eye Injury: Do not try to treat the injury yourself. Do not flush the eye with water or apply any medication. If wearing contact lenses, don't try to remove them. Gently cover the eye with a bandage or gauze pad and go directly to a doctor or nearby hospital.

Remember, the best way to treat eye injuries is to prevent them. Always be aware of potential eye hazards and wear appropriate eye protection.