Page 165 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

FIRST AID 163

Eye injuries

Eyes are easily bruised or cut by direct blows. They can also
WARNING
be damaged by sharp objects such as fragments of glass, or
irritated by grit or dust entering the eye. Chemical splashes may Get emergency medical help if:
harm the eyes, and many household products, such as detergents, ● An eye injury causes loss of
vision or blurred vision
cause irritation if they come into contact with the eyes. An eye
● An object is embedded in the eye
injury is usually painful, and the affected eye may water and ● A chemical has splashed the eye
look swollen and bloodshot. All eye injuries are potentially ● A child has an eye injury
serious, because there is a risk that vision will be affected.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Treating eye injuries Treating chemicals in the eye
You should seek medical advice for all but the most minor You must act quickly to wash the chemical out of the
eye injuries. Your main goals are to keep the victim calm, victim’s eyes. Protect yourself and make sure that the
dress the wound, and get medical help. contaminated water drains away freely.

Examine the eye carefully. If the victim has a black Put on protective gloves, if available. Hold the eye
eye, and you are sure that the injury is not more under gently running cold water for at least 10
1 serious, you may be able to treat it (see BLACK EYE, 1 minutes, positioning the head so that contaminated
p.62). A speck of dirt or debris in the eye can be water does not run into the other eye
removed as long as it is floating freely on the white or down the face. Rinse the eye and
of the eye (see FOREIGN OBJECT IN THE EYE, p.61). eyelid thoroughly. If both eyes are
affected, tilt the head to the
CAUTION: Don’t try to remove debris from the
colored part of the eye or remove anything other side and
embedded in the eye. repeat the
procedure.
If the eye has been badly cut
or bruised, help the victim
2 lie down and rest his or
her head in your lap to
Rinse the eye
keep it still. Tell him or thoroughly
her to try to keep the eyes
still. Cover the injured eye
with a sterile dressing Once the pain has eased, give
or clean pad, and ask the the victim a sterile dressing
victim to hold it in place. 2 or clean pad to hold lightly
Arrange for medical help.
over the eye. Bandage the
dressing loosely in place
and take or send the victim
to the hospital. Identify the
chemical if possible
so hospital staff
can be informed.