Eye Injury

Student First Aid Eye Injury

Eye injury from a foreign particle entering the eye will cause pain in or behind the eye, eyelid spasms, constant tears, reduced or altered vision, loss of sight, or visible blood in or around the eye.

In the school environment, three types of material that commonly cause eye injury are:

WOOD, METAL, GLASS

1. DO NOT attempt to remove from the eye.

2. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. 

3. Place a pad over the eye and tape down gently, avoiding any pressure. Reassure patient while waiting for the ambulance.

 

CHEMICAL

1. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. 

2. Wash the eye with copious amounts of water by cupping hands under a running tap and holding the eye down into the water, blinking rapidly, for at least 20 minutes.

3. Use saline eyewash if water is unavailable.

 

LOOSE LASHES, SAND OR GRIT

1. Wait until the foreign particle is clear of the cornea (front surface of the eye) before irrigating with saline eyewash.

2. Particles on the inner surface of the eyelid can be removed by irrigating with saline eyewash, or with the moistened corner of a clean cloth.

3. Seek medical attention if foreign particle cannot be removed, or irritation or pain persists.