How to provide first aid for eye injuries

It happens: a bit of dust, an eyelash, or a tiny speck finds its way into the eye. Here’s how to assist:

• Don’t rub the eye, as that can worsen a scratch.
• Gently pull the upper eyelid over the lower, encouraging tears to flush out the object.
• If that doesn’t work, rinse with clean water or sterile saline.
• If the object is floating in the white of the eye or stuck under the lower lid, you may wet a cotton swab and gently touch it to lift it off.
• If it can’t be removed easily, cover the eye with a clean pad and seek medical attention.
• If irritation or pain lasts more than a few hours, vision is affected, or sensitivity to light develops, see a professional.

When there’s a piece of debris (glass, wood, metal) embedded in the eyeball:

• Do not attempt removal. Even a slight movement can worsen the damage.
• Keep the eye still. You can loosely cover both eyes (the injured and uninjured) to help reduce movement.
• Use a rigid shield (e.g. the bottom half of a paper cup) over the injured eye so nothing presses into it.
• Secure the shield gently with a bandage around the head (avoid any pressure on the eyeball).
• Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Chemical exposures (acids, alkalis, cleaning fluids) are particularly dangerous and require urgent action:

• Flush the eye immediately with clean water (or saline). Hold the eyelids open to allow thorough rinsing.
• Let water flow from the inner corner (near the nose) outward so no contaminated water flows into the other eye.
• Continue flushing for at least 20 minutes.
• If the person is wearing contact lenses, don’t forcibly remove them; keep flushing first.
• After flushing, get medical care immediately. Chemical damage may be hidden beneath the surface.

A direct impact can injure the eyeball or surrounding tissues:

• Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth for short intervals to reduce swelling.
• Do not press on the eye or attempt to manipulate it.
• If pain is severe, vision is blurred, or there is bleeding inside or around the eye, get medical attention right away.

Cuts or lacerations are serious:

• Do not rinse or wash the cut if the wound is deep.
• Do not try to remove any object stuck in or near the cut.
• Cover the eye with a rigid shield (or cup) and wrap both eyes with a clean bandage to prevent movement.
• Seek emergency care.

Prevention helps avoid emergencies. Here are simple tips:

• Always wear protective eyewear when doing DIY work, mowing, using chemicals, or playing sports.
• Avoid toys or gadgets that shoot projectiles or have sharp parts.
• Keep chemicals, sprays, and cleaners safely stored away from children.

Eye injuries can happen in a blink, and during Eye Care Awareness Month, it’s a reminder that our response in those first seconds matters. Whether it’s flushing a speck from the eye or stabilising a more serious injury, these first aid steps can safeguard vision and reduce harm.

If you ever doubt the severity of an injury, treat it as urgent and get medical help. The South African First Aid League encourages everyone, at home, at work, and in schools, to learn and share these essential First Aid skills. Let’s protect our sight and look out for each other.

Should you wish to equip yourself with First Aid Training, contact us on 012-644-0918 or visit our website at https://www.firstaidleague.co.za/training#our-courses.