Eye Injuries
Knowing first aid is very important for the accidents and eye injuries we may encounter in daily life.
Knowing first aid is very important for the accidents and eye injuries we may encounter in daily life. With a few simple steps it is possible to prevent serious damage that could threaten vision.
If a Chemical Gets into Your Eye
Chemicals that get into the eye are usually detergents, adhesives, chemicals at work and similar substances.
- If you wear contact lenses, take them out immediately. The chemical is absorbed by the lens, and keeping the lens in your eye increases the time the chemical is in contact with your eye.
- Rinse your eye with plenty of cold or lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
- Do not cover your eye with a bandage.
- See a doctor urgently, taking the container of the substance with you. This gives your doctor information about what the chemical contains.
If a Foreign Body Gets into Your Eye
Foreign bodies usually get into the eye in windy weather, during renovation work, or at work when protective glasses are not worn.
- If a foreign body gets into your eye, do not rub it. Rubbing makes the foreign body scratch the surface of the eye and cause more damage.
- Try to wash the foreign body out by rinsing your eye with plenty of water.
- See a doctor.
Insect and Bee Stings
These stings are usually on the eyelid, but they can also occur in the eye.
- With a bee sting, check whether the sting has been left behind. If it has, remove it immediately.
- If the sting is on the eyelid, apply a cold compress (ice or a gel pack).
- See a doctor urgently.
A Scratched Eye
Small scratches on the eye can be caused by a fingernail, the edge of a newspaper or paper, or a mascara brush.
- Wear sunglasses to reduce sensitivity to light and see an eye doctor.
Cutting and Penetrating Injuries
Cutting and penetrating injuries caused by car accidents, accidents at work, gunshot and other weapon injuries, falls, blows and so on are serious injuries that threaten vision.
- In this case, do not rinse the eye with water.
- If an object is stuck in the eye, do not try to remove it.
- If there is bleeding, try to stop it, preferably with sterile gauze — but do not press on the eye itself.
- Go to a hospital urgently.
Blunt Injuries
These are injuries such as being hit in the eye by a ball, a fist or an elbow, or knocking the eye against something.
- Apply a cold compress (ice or a cold gel pack) to the eyelid.
- Because the bones around the eye may be fractured, see a doctor so that a skull X-ray or computed tomography can be taken.
Ultraviolet Burns
These burns can be caused by sunlight and sunbeds, and are also seen in welders.
- They cause pain in the eye, sensitivity to light, watering and temporary blurring of vision.
- Sun-related eye burns are seen most often in snowy weather, because snow reflects sunlight very well.
- Put artificial tear drops in your eyes generously and often (for example every hour).
- Wear sunglasses to reduce sensitivity to light and see a doctor.
PREVENTION
It is easier to prevent injuries than to treat them.
- Wear protective glasses for racquet sports and basketball.
- Wear sunglasses with a UV filter when skiing.
- On a sunbed, keep your eyes closed and always wear protective goggles.
- Do not mix two cleaning products, as unexpected reactions can occur.
- Do not keep chemicals where children can easily reach them or where you might knock them over.
- Make sure stairs are well lit.
- When gardening, wear protective glasses against branches, dust and chemicals such as fertiliser.
- If your work requires safety measures (protective glasses, a helmet and so on), follow them fully.
Have your eyes assessed
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This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.