An eye injury can occur suddenly, and it requires immediate attention to minimise potential damage and prevent further complications. Whether you’ve got a foreign object in your eye, suffered from chemical exposure, or encountered trauma to the eye zone, following proper first aid steps is crucial for recovery. 

In this blog post, we will guide you through the necessary actions to take when gone through an eye injury.

Steps You Must Take Immediately After an Eye Injury

Eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in our body. If you go through an eye injury, you should stay calm and follow these mentioned steps to get immediate relief. However, you must seek medical help for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Step 1: Assess the Situation and Stay Calm

The first and most important step is to stay calm and assess the situation. Panicking may worsen the injury or cause additional harm. Try to evaluate the severity of the injury and determine if it requires immediate medical attention. If the damage seems severe or you’re unsure of what to do, call for emergency medical assistance right away.

Step 2: Wash Your Hands

Our outdoor environment and hands are often full of germs and bacteria, so experts recommend wearing safety glasses and washing your hands regularly. If you experience an injury before touching your eyes or attempting any first aid, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. Clean hands will help prevent additional bacteria or contaminants from entering the affected eye.

Step 3: Flush Clean Water to the Injured Eye

If the injury is caused by an external element, such as dust, sand, or debris, it’s essential to flush the eye with clean water. Gently hold your eyelids open with your fingers and pour lukewarm water over your eye. Use a clean cup or a steady stream from a faucet, ensuring the water flows from the inner corner of your eye toward the outer corner. This will help remove any particles that may be lodged in the eye. Repeat this process for several minutes, but if the pain persists or the object doesn’t flush out, seek medical assistance promptly.

Step 4: Cold Compress Over Your Eyes

If you have minor eye injuries, cold compresses on your eyes may be helpful as eye injury first aid. Gently place a cold compress on your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Instead, use a cloth between the ice and the skin. After cold compresses if you feel a little better after 24 hours, switch to warm compresses. This will help reduce bruising.

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of the severity of the injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention from an eye care professional. Even seemingly minor injuries can have underlying complications or require specific treatments. Delaying professional care can lead to long-term consequences. 

If you get an eye injury in an outdoor situation, you must seek medical help immediately. 

What Not to Do After Getting an Eye Injury

Our eyes are more sensitive than our other body parts. Therefore you should carefully handle your eye injury and seek medical help if needed. Here we mention some situations that you must avoid after going through an eye injury.

Do Not Rub or Touch the Injured Eye

Resist the temptation to rub or touch the affected eye. Rubbing can further aggravate the injury and potentially lead to corneal abrasions or infections. Instead, try to keep your eye as still as possible.

Do Not Attempt to Remove Embedded Objects

If a foreign object, such as a shard of glass or a metal particle, is embedded in the eye, it’s crucial not to try and remove it yourself. Cover the injured eye with a clean, sterile bandage or a protective shield, such as a paper cup, and seek immediate medical help.

Do not Apply Pressure or Using Medication

Refrain from applying any pressure to the injured eye, as it can cause further damage. Avoid using any over-the-counter ointments or eye drops unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Inappropriate medication can worsen the injury or cause adverse effects

Do not Expose Your Eyes During Transport

While waiting for medical help or if you are traveling for treatment, take precautions to protect the injured eye. Avoid activities that may strain or worsen the injury, and protect the eyes with a clean, rigid object (such as a paper cup), a protective eye patch, or UV protection sunglasses. Ensure that the object does not put pressure on the eye and prevent further contamination.

Wrapping It Up 

Experiencing an eye injury can be a distressing situation, but following these immediate first-aid steps, you can help reduce the risk of further harm. Remember to stay calm, wash your hands, flush your eyes with clean water if needed, and seek medical attention. Salisbury Optometrist is one of the leading eye care clinics known for providing expert eye care treatments. After getting an eye injury, you can seek immediate medical help from us to ensure a quick recovery.