First aid for eye injuries

If you scratch your eye

Rinse the eye with saline solution or clean water – the water or saline may wash the foreign object out of the eye.

Blink frequently – blinking can help remove small particles of dust or sand.

Do not rub the eye – rubbing can worsen the scratch.

Do not touch the eye – fingers, cotton pads, cotton swabs or other objects will not help remove foreign bodies and may cause further injury.

Do not wear your contact lenses.

Do not apply creams or any medication to the eyelids.

If you get hit in the eye

Gently apply a small cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.

Do not use frozen food—for example, frozen steaks—because bacteria may get into your eye.

Do not press on the eye.

Seek medical attention if the shape of the eye changes, the eyelid becomes bruised, or you experience vision loss.

In case of a chemical burn

Rinse the eye immediately with water for at least 15 minutes.

Find out what substance got into the eye – some chemicals can cause more severe damage.

Seek emergency medical assistance.

In case of a stabbing or cut with a knife

• Do not rinse the eye with water.
• Do not remove any objects or knife fragments if they remain in the eye.
• Do not rub the eye.
• Do not apply pressure.
• Do not take blood-thinning medications – they may increase bleeding.
• Try to protect the eye from dust, bacteria, or other particles that could enter it.
• Seek emergency medical help immediately.