Emergencies

If a chemical gets in the eye, it has to be rinsed for at least 20 minutes immediately after the injury, before calling or going to the Doctor.

Chemical Burn

Direct a continuous and gentle stream on the eye, holding the lids as wide open as possible. Make sure the chemical does not wash into the other eye. Do not attempt to neutralize acids and alkalies. Do not use an eye cup. Do not bandage eye.

You may also use saline solution instead of water.

Seek medical attention immediately after the 20 minute eye rinse!

Blunt Injury to the Eye

Our eyes are protected by the bony structures that create the eye socket; within this socket we have cushiony fat tissue, and our lids and lashes protect the front eye surface. Despite these protective structures, there are many sports, industrial and home eye injuries each year.

In sports, especially racquet and fast-moving ball sports, it is imperative to wear proper protective eyewear. In industry, safety eyewear is required by OSHA in any eye hazard situation. At home, safety glasses should be worn by anyone operating shop machinery equipment, working with cleaning agents, mixing any chemicals or working below falling or potential dropping objects (car repair, tree trimming, weeding and sun protection). Wear sun safety glasses while gardening.

An eye or head injury can affect any eye structure. It is very important for immediate proper care after an injury.

External injuries are easy to see a bump or bruise; internal injuries are not as easy to detect but can be associated with some visual symptoms, light flashes, increase in floating spots or a curtain covering your vision, to name a few. If any of these symptoms occur, you need to be seen immediately. All injuries to your eyes need to be evaluated to insure no immediate damage. However, please keep in mind that follow up care is just as important because the highest incidence of retinal detachment due to trauma occurs up to 18 months after the initial injury.

Foreign Bodies

Pull down lower lid. If object can be seen on the surface of the eye (and if it is not embedded), lift it gently with a moist paper tissue, cotton or Q-tip.

Do not use dry.

Note: If foreign body appears to be embedded eye or lid surface, do not attempt to remove it. Obtain medical help.

If object is not dislodged, depress upper lid with Q-tip (or similar object) placed horizontally on eyelid crease. Pull lashes up (against Q-Tip) until upper lid is turned “inside out.” Lift foreign body from inner eyelid surface with moist paper tissue, cotton, or Q-tip.

Superficial Injury to Eyelids

Gently apply direct pressure to stop bleeding.

Cleanse wound and apply sterile dressing tape in place, or held by bandage encircling head. Seek medical aid.

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