Eye injuries can happen surprisingly easily in daily life. A splash, a grain of sand, a blow or chemical exposure calls for fast and correct first aid. Quick and calm action can prevent lasting damage.
The most important rule is not to rub the eye. Rubbing can make the injury worse.
A foreign object in the eye#
A small foreign object such as a grain of sand or an eyelash usually causes a strong scratchy feeling, tearing and redness.
Do not rub the eye. Let tears flow freely, because they often wash the object out on their own.
If it does not come out, rinse the eye with clean water or eye rinse solution. Rinse long enough, because even a small object may be stuck firmly. Never try to remove it with a cotton bud or other hard object.
Chemical splash in the eye#
Chemical exposure is urgent. Rinse the eye immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep the eye open during rinsing and direct the water from the inner corner outward.
After rinsing, seek urgent care. If possible, bring the product label or package with you.
A blow to the eye#
A blunt blow can happen in sport, a fall or an accident. It may cause bruising, bleeding inside the eye and vision changes. A cold compress around the eye can reduce swelling.
Do not press on the eye. If vision is reduced, light flashes appear, a shadow spreads in the field of vision or the pain is strong, seek urgent care.
Do not apply pressure to serious eye injuries#
A sharp object, a metal splinter or any suspicion of a penetrating injury is an emergency. Do not press, rub or try to clean deep inside the eye.
An eyelid wound can look small but still matter if it is near the inner corner of the eye. Eye movement problems, double vision or severe pain after a blow are also urgent signs.
Prevention#
Safety glasses are the simplest way to prevent eye injuries. They matter in renovation work, gardening, chemical handling and work with wood or metal.
When to seek care#
Seek care whenever the object does not rinse out, vision is reduced, the eye has been hit hard or chemicals have splashed into it. A sharp object or metal fragment also needs medical review.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: