First Aid & Emergencies

Eye Injury Treatment

• An object such as a piece of glass or metal is sticking out of the eye.

1. For Chemical Exposure

• Don't rub eyes.
• Immediately wash out the eye with lots of water. Use whatever is closest -- water fountain, shower, garden hose.
• Get medical help while you are doing this, or after 15 to 20 minutes of continuous flushing
• Don't bandage the eye.

2. For a Blow to the Eye

• Apply a cold compress, but don't put pressure on the eye.
• Take over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain.
• If there is bruising, bleeding, change in vision, or it hurts when your eye moves, see a doctor right away.

3. For a Foreign Particle in Eye

• Don't rub the eye.
• Pull the upper lid down and blink repeatedly.
• If particle is still there, rinse with eyewash.
• If rinsing doesn't help, close eye, bandage it lightly, and see a doctor.