| | Emergency & First Aid: Eye Injuries: First Aid for Eye Injuries - Emergency Conditions | |
Do you have eye pain or visual changes after exposure to a welder's flame or other ultraviolet source?
For a Bruise from a Minor Injury that Surrounds the Eye, But Does Not Damage the Eye Itself
Put a cold compress over the injured area right away. Do this for 15 minutes, every hour, for 48 hours.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for the pain and swelling.
After 48 hours, put a warm compress over the injured area.
Seek medical care if these measures do not help.
To Remove a Foreign Particle On the White of the Eye or Inside the Eyelids
Do not remove an object stuck in the eye, a metal chip, or a foreign body over the colored part of the eye. (See For a Foreign Body Sticking Into the Eye above.)
Wash your hands.
If the foreign object is under the upper lid, look down and pull the upper lid away from the eyeball by gently grabbing the eyelashes. Press a cotton-tipped swab down on the skin surface of the upper eyelid and pull it up and toward the brow. The upper lid will invert.
Twist a piece of tissue. Moisten the tip with tap water (not saliva). Gently try to touch the speck with the tip. Carefully pass the tissue over the speck which should cling to the tip.
Do not rub the eye or use tweezers or anything sharp to remove a foreign object.
Gently wash the eye with cool water.
For Dry, Irritated Eyes
With your doctor's okay, use over-the-counter artificial tear drops, such as Ocu-Lube. Refrigerate the solution, if needed. Wash your hands before using.
For an Insect Bite Without a Severe Allergic Reaction
Wash the eye(s) with warm water.
Take an antihistamine if okay with your doctor.