First Aid Eyecare for Adults

If an eye is injured it is tempting to use cold water to alleviate the problem. It is not easy however to judge the extent or severity of any eye injury. For this reason you should always obtain immediate professional medical attention from your eyecare practitioner or the closest emergency department.

Here are some steps to follow in the event of an eye injury:

Trauma to the eye

If hit in the eye rest a protective shield such as a Styrofoam cup on the bone around the eye. Make sure that there is no pressure on the eye itself.

Foreign body

If an object has entered the eye do not try to remove it as this may tear delicate tissue or force the object in deeper. Rest a protective shield such as a Styrofoam cup on the bone around the eye making sure that there is no pressure on the eye itself.

Black eye

If hit in the eye area place an ice pack or cold cloth over the eye. Do not press on the eye.

Chemical Burn

If someone has sustained a chemical burn first read the warning label on the package to understand proper medical treatment. If the warning label suggests rinsing it with fresh water do so for at least 15 minutes. Hold the person s head under the tap or use a clean container to pour water into the eye. While rinsing use your fingers to hold their eye open as wide as possible to ensure the greatest possible coverage. If the warning label cannot be obtained go to the nearest emergency hospital.

Any of the following symptoms may signal serious eye injury. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following:

• Obvious pain or vision problems
• Cut or torn eyelid
• One eye that does not move as extensively as the other
• Abnormal pupil size or shape
• Blood in the white of the eye
• Something imbedded in the eye
• Something under the eyelid that cannot easily be removed