Eye Injury
Eye injury
Injuries to the eye can occur from dust and debris, penetrating objects or from chemicals which can burn the eye.
Minor eye injuries where dust or dirt has entered the eye are quite common and a simple flush with clean water can remove it effectively. Put the casualty’s head back and tilted slightly to the injured side and flush with water from the side nearest the nose so that the water runs away from the good eye.
Treatment for serious eye injuries
For a serious eye injury, including embedded objects or shards of metal or glass:
- Hold a sterile dressing over the affected eye or tape in place. Do not apply pressure over the eye.
- Where possible bandage both eyes to minimise movement and potential for further injury
- Reassure the patient and support them as they will not be able to see.
- Call 999/112 or take to hospital for further treatment.
Chemicals in the eye
- Put on gloves to protect yourself and gently and firmly open the eyelid.
- Flush out the eye with large volumes of water. Continue flushing for 20 minutes. As with minor injuries, put the casualty’s head back and tilted slightly to the injured side and flush with water from the side nearest the nose so that the water runs away from the good eye.
- Call 999/112 or take to hospital for further treatment.
