Eye Injuries

The eye is a vital sensory organ, and blindness is a severe physical handicap. Timely first aid of the eye not only relieves pain but also helps prevent shock, permanent eye injury, and possible loss of vision. Because the eye is very sensitive, any injury can be easily aggravated if it is improperly handled.

Injuries of the eye may be quite severe. Cuts of the eyelids can appear to be very serious, but if the eyeball is not involved, a person's vision usually will not be damaged. However, lacerations (cuts) of the eyeball can cause permanent damage or loss of sight.

Lacerated/Torn Eyelids

Lacerated eyelids may bleed heavily, but bleeding usually stops quickly. Cover the injured eye with a sterile dressing. DO NOT put pressure on the wound because you may injure the eyeball. Handle torn eyelids very carefully to prevent further injury. Place any detached pieces of the eyelid on a clean bandage or dressing and immediately send them with the victim to the medical facility.

Lacerated Eyeball

Lacerations or cuts to the eyeball may cause serious and permanent eye damage. Cover the injury with a loose sterile dressing. DO NOT put pressure on the eyeball because additional damage may occur.

An important point to remember is that when one eyeball is injured, you should immobilize both eyes. This is done by applying a bandage to both eyes. Because the eyes move together, covering both will lessen the chances of further damage to the injured eye.

WARNING! DO NOT apply pressure when there is a possible laceration of the eyeball. Pressure applied over the eye will force the fluid out, resulting in permanent injury.

Extruded Eyeballs

You may encounter casualties with severe eye injuries that include an extruded eyeball (eyeball out-of-socket). In such instances you should gently cover the extruded eye with a loose moistened dressing and also cover the unaffected eye. DO NOT bind or exert pressure on the injured eye while applying a loose dressing.

Burns of the Eyes

Chemical burns, thermal (heat) burns, and light burns can affect the eyes.

Chemical Burns

Injuries from chemical burns require immediate first aid.

Chemical burns are caused mainly by acids or alkalizes. The first aid is to flush the eye(s) immediately with large amounts of water for at least 5 to 20 minutes, or as long as necessary to flush out the chemical.

If the burn is an acid burn you should flush the eye for at least 5 to 10 minutes. If the burn is an alkali burn, you should flush the eye for at least 20 minutes. After the eye has been flushed apply a bandage over the eyes and evacuate the victim immediately.

Thermal Burns

When an individual suffers burns of the face from a fire, the eyes will close quickly due to extreme heat. This reaction is a natural reflex to protect the eyeballs; however, the eyelids remain exposed and are frequently burned. If a victim receives burns of the eyelids/face, DO NOT apply a dressing; DO NOT TOUCH; seek medical treatment immediately.

<3>Light Burns

Exposure to intense light can burn an individual. Infrared rays, eclipse light (if the victim has looked directly at the sun), or laser burns cause injuries of the exposed eyeball. Ultraviolet rays from arc welding can cause a superficial burn to the surface of the eye. These injuries are generally not painful but may cause permanent damage to the eyes. Immediate first aid is usually not required. Loosely bandaging the eyes may make the victim more comfortable and protect his eyes from further injury caused by exposure to other bright lights or sunlight.

In hazardous surroundings leave the uninjured eye uncovered so that the victim may be able to see them.