Firstly, any kind of injury or trauma to the eyes should be taken seriously.
Remember, prompt medical attention for eye problems can save vision and prevent further complications.
1. Chemical burns
Chemicals commonly used at home or in the workplace can easily splash into your eyes. It is important to wear safety glasses when handling toxic or abrasive chemicals and use caution with household cleaners in order to prevent injury.
First aid care for chemical burns includes:
· Attempt remaining calm and urgently get assistance by someone else.
Alkaline agents such as Jik bleach wash, oven cleaners and certain drain cleaners are a lot more serious than acid (eg. swimming pool acid, some drain cleaners).
· Flush eyes generously with water (no other liquids) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Make sure you keep your eyes open during flushing.
· Get immediate medical care by calling 061372620 during normal office hours or our emergency line 0812431435.
2. Foreign object
The eye often cleans itself of debris, such as dust with tearing, so no treatment is needed until you are certain the eye cannot remove the object by itself.
First aid care for foreign objects in the eyes includes:
· Don’t rub your eyes.
· Lift the upper eyelid up and out over the lower lid, and then roll your eyes around.
· Flush your eyes generously with water, and keep your eyes open during flushing.
· Repeat the previous steps until the object is eliminated.
· If you are uncertain whether all debris is gone or the eye(s) remain painful, follow up with your doctor. This is particularly important if plant or organic material is involved. Your doctor will examine you to determine the extent of the eye injury.
If there is a visible object embedded on the eye, do NOT remove it, as this may cause further damage. Instead, cover the eye with an eye shield or gauze to minimize blinking and seek prompt medical attention.
3. Blows to the eye
Impact to the eye is another form of eye trauma. Minor blows can often be managed at home. Any severe eye injury should be monitored for signs of a serious injury or potential infection.
First aid care for a blow to the eyes includes:
· Gently place a cold compress over your eye in 5- to 10-minute intervals. Do not place ice directly on the skin. Instead, use a cloth in between the ice and skin.
· Call your doctor. They may want to examine the eye for potential damage. If the trauma was significant (for example, skull fracture or displaced bones), you will need to go to an emergency department for immediate evaluation and a CT scan.
· After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses. This will help lessen bruising.
· Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Vision changes which includes double vision.
- Persistent pain.
- Poor vision.
- Fluid or blood running from the affected eye.
- Any visible abnormalities or bleeding in the sclera, which is the white part of the eye.
1. Cuts or puncture wounds on the eye or lid
You should seek immediate medical care if you suffer this type of injury. However, you need to follow some basic first aid steps to ensure proper safety and support.
Here are some first aid tips for treating cuts and puncture wounds:
- Do not wash the eye or lid.
- If there is an object embedded in your eye, do NOT remove it. Doing so can cause further damage.
- Cover the eye with an eye shield. If you don’t have one available, place the bottom half of a paper cup over your eye and tape over it gently to secure it to your face.
- Seek prompt medical attention.
We trust that this information is helpful to you in assisting anyone in an emergency in order to prevent any serious eye damage. Please always seek prompt medical assistance as soon as you can by calling 061372620 during normal office hours or our emergency line 0812431435.
We are here to help you.
