Eye emergencies

Alternative names:

black eye; foreign body in the eye

First aid:

For foreign body in the eye:

Often, the eye will clear itself of a tiny object through blinking and tearing. If not, here are some first aid measures:

1. Do not rub the eye. Wash your hands before examining the eye.
   
   
2. Examine the affected eye in a well-lighted area. To find a foreign body, have the victim look up and down and then side to side.
   
   
3. If you can't find the object, grasp the eyelid and gently pull down on the lower lid to expose the fold between the eyelid and the globe of the eye. If necessary, pull up the upper lid.
   
   
4. If the foreign body can be seen on the inner surface of either the lower or upper lid, try to gently flush it out with water or use a cotton-tipped swab to invert the eyelid and inspect the underside.
   
   
5. If the foreign object is embedded in the eyeball, cover the victim's eyes with a sterile pad or clean cloth. Do not try to remove the object. Get medical help.
   
   
6. If you cannot locate the foreign body, or if you remove it but the victim still has discomfort or blurred vision, cover the victim's eyes with a sterile pad or clean cloth. Get medical help.
   
   

For an object stuck in the eye:

1. Leave the object in place. Do not touch it or apply any pressure to it.
   
   
2. Wash your hands.
   
   
3. Calm and reassure the victim.
   
   
4. Bandage the eye. If the object is large, place a paper cup or cone over the injured eye and tape it in place. If the object is small, cover both eyes with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
   
   
5. Try to keep the victim calm and quiet until you have medical help.
   
   

For chemical injury to the eye:

1. Turn the victim's head so the injured eye is down and to the side. Holding the eyelid open, pour fresh water in the eye for 15 minutes, or until you have medical help. You may have to force the victim's eyes open.
   
   
2. If both eyes are affected, or if the chemicals are also on other parts of the body, have the victim take a shower.
   
   
3. Remove contact lenses - but only after the eyes have been rinsed.
   
   
4. Cover both eyes (even if only one eye is affected) with a clean dressing, and avoid any rubbing of the eyes. Even if only one eye is affected, covering both eyes will help discourage eye movement.
   
   

For eye burns:

1. Flush the eyes with cool water (unless it is painful to do so) to reduce swelling and to help relieve the pain.
   
   
2. Apply a cool compress to the eyes but avoid applying pressure.
   
   
3. If there is swelling in or around the eyes, or if there are visual problems, get medical help.
   

For cuts or blows to the eye:

1. If the eyeball has been injured, get medical help immediately.
   
   
2. Gently apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and help stop any bleeding. Do not apply pressure to control bleeding.
   
   
3. If blood is pooling in the eye, cover both of the victim's eyes with a clean cloth or sterile dressing and get medical help immediately.
   

For eyeball (cornea) scratches:

1. Get medical help.
   
   
2. Avoid applying pressure to the eye.
   
   

For eyelid cuts:

1. If the eyelid is injured, carefully wash the eye. Apply a thick layer of bacitracin or mupirocin ointment on the eyelid and on the exposed eyeball if the victim cannot close his eyelid. Place a patch over the eye. Seek immediate medical attention.
   
   
2. If the cut is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides.



3. Rinse with water, cover with a clean dressing, and place a cold compress on the dressing to reduce pain and swelling.
   
   
4. If the cut is more than several millimeters, or if the cut goes across the edge of the lid, get medical help.
   
   

For Conjunctivitis (pinkeye):

An itchy red or pink eye is often caused by a viral infection. Other causes may include a bacterial infection, allergy, something in the eye or irritation. If the eye has been infected by a virus or bacteria, symptoms include: tearing; itching; runny yellow or greenish pus; crusted eyelids and lashes; and swollen eyelids.

1. Rinse the eye several times daily with artificial tears (which can be purchased without a prescription. You can place a cool washcloth over the closed eyelids to help relieve any itching or swelling.A doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops for four to five days.
   
   
2. If the symptoms do not improve or if you have difficulty with vision, get medical help.
   
   
3. If there is considerable discharge from the eyes, or if there is swelling of the eyelids, get medical help.

Do not:

• DO NOT press on an injured eye or allow the victim to rub the eye(s).



• DO NOT remove contact lenses unless rapid swelling is occurring or you cannot get prompt medical help.



• DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign body that is resting on the cornea (the clear surface of the eye through which we see) or that appears to be embedded in any part of the eye - get medical help.



• DO NOT use dry cotton (including cotton swabs) or sharp instruments (such as tweezers) on the eye.



• DO NOT attempt to remove an embedded object.



• DO NOT let a burn become contaminated. Avoid breathing or coughing on the burned area.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• An eye injury is serious.



• Any chemical gets into a victim's eye.



• The cornea has been scratched.



• Eye pain persists.



• There are any vision problems.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial