{"id":16970,"date":"2021-09-02T18:58:53","date_gmt":"2021-09-02T18:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=16970"},"modified":"2021-09-02T18:58:53","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T18:58:53","slug":"first-aid-for-eye-injuries","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-exams\/eye-emergencies\/first-aid-for-eye-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"First Aid for Eye Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever been at the scene of an accident and not known what to do to help the injured child or adult?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Note: This information does not replace an eye exam from a doctor. For any eye injury, we recommend contacting the nearest eye doctor or ER department.<\/i><\/p>\n

When someone gets injured, it is not uncommon for those around them to jump into panic mode, run around in circles, raise their voice, and sometimes even do the opposite of what should really be done in the situation.<\/p>\n

For all eye injuries always seek medical care, either from your eye doctor, primary care physician or ER department.<\/b><\/p>\n

Panicking is not very helpful and usually causes the injured person to panic as well.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

This guide is meant to help you know what to do in case of an emergency\u2014 specifically when it comes to an eye injury.<\/b><\/p>\n

In some situations, an eye emergency is just that, an EMERGENCY.<\/p>\n

While not all eye injuries require immediate medical attention, there are times when an eye injury can pose a risk of permanent eye damage and may even threaten vision loss.<\/p>\n

So if you are ever near a child or adult who has been injured in the eye, stay calm and follow all medical advice.<\/p>\n

Call your doctor immediately if the pain becomes severe, symptoms worsen or vision changes are noticed.<\/b><\/p>\n

First aid for a foreign object in the eye<\/b><\/h2>\n

If a foreign body, such as a small particle of sawdust, grain of sand or blade of grass gets caught in the eye, it is important to avoid touching and rubbing the eye\u2014 and refrain from trying to remove it with your fingers.<\/p>\n

These natural instincts can cause further damage\u2014 especially if the object is embedded in the eyelid. Removing the object on your own can also introduce bacteria into the eye<\/a>, or make it more difficult to dislodge the object.<\/p>\n

Instead, flush the eye with clean water or sterile saline solution.\u00a0 This can help to dislodge the object.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Then, have the eye examined by an eye care professional to ensure that the eye is clear of foreign matter and rule out a corneal abrasion<\/a> that may require treatment.<\/p>\n

If you have sustained an eye injury, head to the nearest emergency room for initial emergency treatment. In the event you cannot reach an emergency room, contact an eye doctor near you.\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: <\/b>When is Blurred Vision a Medical Emergency?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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