Eye Injuries:
Recognising and Responding to Eye Emergencies

Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to serious trauma that could lead to permanent vision loss. Knowing how to provide first aid for different types of eye injuries is crucial for protecting the person’s eyesight and preventing further damage. Whether the injury is caused by a foreign object, chemicals, or blunt trauma, prompt action can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Types of Eye Injuries

There are several common types of eye injuries, including:

• Foreign Objects: Dust, dirt, sand, or small particles that enter the eye and cause irritation.
• Chemical Burns: Exposure to harmful chemicals that damage the eye.
• Blunt Trauma: Impact from a blow to the eye, such as during sports or a fall, which can cause bruising or internal damage.
• Cuts or Punctures: Sharp objects that penetrate or cut the eye or eyelid.
• Burns: Exposure to heat or ultraviolet light (such as from welding or the sun) can cause eye burns.

Signs and Symptoms of Eye Injuries

The symptoms of an eye injury vary depending on the cause and severity, but common signs include:

• Pain or Discomfort: The person may experience sharp pain, throbbing, or discomfort in or around the eye.
• Redness or Bloodshot Eyes: The affected eye may appear red or irritated.
• Watery Eyes or Excessive Tearing: The eye may produce tears in response to irritation or injury.
• Blurred or Impaired Vision: The person may have difficulty seeing clearly or experience partial vision loss.
• Swelling Around the Eye: Blunt trauma can cause swelling and bruising around the eye (commonly known as a “black eye”).
• Sensitivity to Light: Bright light may cause discomfort or pain.
• Bleeding from the Eye: In more severe cases, the eye may bleed or have visible damage.

First Aid for Eye Injuries

1. Foreign Objects in the Eye

Foreign objects, such as dust, dirt, or small debris, can irritate the eye and cause discomfort. Here’s how to respond:

• Do Not Rub the Eye: Rubbing the eye can cause the object to scratch the cornea, leading to further damage. Avoid touching or rubbing the eye.
• Flush the Eye with Clean Water: Gently flush the eye with clean water to try to remove the object. Use an eye wash station, a clean glass of water, or hold the eye under gently running water.
  • Tilt the person’s head so the affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye to prevent the debris from moving into the other eye.
  • Encourage the person to blink several times to help dislodge the object.
• Seek Medical Help if the Object Remains: If flushing the eye does not remove the object, or if the person continues to experience pain or discomfort, seek medical attention.

2. Chemical Burns to the Eye

Chemical burns can result from exposure to cleaning products, industrial chemicals, or other harmful substances. It’s essential to act quickly to minimise damage:

• Flush the Eye Immediately: Rinse the affected eye with clean, cool running water for at least 10-20 minutes. Do this as soon as possible after exposure.
  • Tilt the head so the affected eye is lower and the water flows from the inner corner to the outer corner, preventing the chemical from spreading to the other eye.
  • Continue flushing the eye until emergency help arrives or you reach a medical facility.
• Remove Contact Lenses: If the person is wearing contact lenses, remove them carefully while flushing the eye to ensure no chemicals are trapped behind the lens.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Chemical burns can cause serious damage to the eye. Even if the pain subsides after flushing, it is critical to seek emergency medical care.

3. Blunt Trauma to the Eye

Blunt trauma to the eye can occur from an impact, such as a punch, sports injury, or fall. These injuries can cause bruising, swelling, or more serious internal damage, such as a detached retina.

• Apply a Cold Compress: Use a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin or eye.
• Avoid Applying Pressure: Do not press on the eye, as this can worsen the injury.
• Seek Medical Help: If the person has significant pain, vision loss, or swelling, seek medical attention immediately. Blunt trauma can cause internal damage that is not always visible.

4. Cuts or Punctures to the Eye

Penetrating injuries or cuts to the eye or eyelid are serious and require immediate medical attention.

• Do Not Touch or Remove the Object: If there is an object embedded in the eye, do not attempt to remove it, as this could cause further injury.
• Cover the Eye: Place a sterile dressing or clean cloth over the injured eye to protect it. If possible, cover both eyes to prevent eye movement, which could worsen the injury.
• Seek Emergency Medical Attention: Call 999 or take the person to A&E immediately. Penetrating eye injuries are serious and may require surgery.

5. Burns to the Eye (from Heat or UV Light)

Burns to the eye can be caused by exposure to heat sources, such as flames, or UV light from sources like welding or direct sunlight.

• Move the Person Away from the Heat Source: If the injury is caused by heat, remove the person from the source of the burn.
• Cool the Eye: For minor burns, flush the eye with cool, clean water.
• Seek Medical Help: If the burn is severe or caused by UV light, seek medical attention. Eye burns can cause long-term damage to vision if not treated.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should seek immediate medical attention for eye injuries if:

• There is visible damage to the eye, such as cuts, punctures, or bleeding.
• The person has vision loss or blurred vision that does not improve.
• There is severe pain or swelling around the eye.
• The eye is exposed to chemicals.
• A foreign object is embedded in the eye and cannot be removed by flushing.
• The injury involves blunt trauma or impact to the eye.

Prevention of Eye Injuries

• Wear Protective Eyewear: Use safety goggles or glasses when working with chemicals, using power tools, or engaging in sports that involve flying objects.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.
• Handle Chemicals Safely: Always read labels and use caution when working with household or industrial chemicals. Wear eye protection when necessary.
• Keep Small Objects Away from Children: Children are particularly vulnerable to eye injuries from small objects. Keep dangerous items out of reach.

Key Points to Remember

• Do not rub or apply pressure to the injured eye.
• Flush the eye with clean water for foreign objects or chemical burns.
• Seek immediate medical attention for serious injuries, such as punctures, cuts, or burns.
• Always protect the eyes with appropriate eyewear during activities that pose a risk of injury.