Eye injuries can occur due to a blow to the eye, a foreign body entering the eye including liquids (chemical) and particles, a laceration (cut) or by ultraviolet light.

BLOW TO THE EYE

Serious or permanent damage can result from blunt force trauma. This could be a result of a sports injury, fall from height, an object striking the head or because someone has being involved a physical altercation.

Signs of trauma can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Possible bleeding
• Redness of the eye
• Headaches
• Change in vision
• Becoming confused (concussion)
• Becoming drowsy or two black eyes (skull fracture)
• Feel nauseous

TREATMENT

Head injuries should always be taken seriously and be checked by a professional.

If the casualty is conscious you can transport them to hospital.

• Apply ice (wrapped) to the affected area
• Bandage both eyes to settle the eyes from moving.
• Keep talking to the casualty to check responsiveness.

FOREIGN BODY IN THE EYE

Whether it be a dust particle or a piece of material, a scratch or graze to the cornea can be extremely painful. Signs include.

• Sensation that something is in the eye
• Increase in tear productions
• Pain
• Blurred or double vision
• Visible signs of a foreign body
• A rust ring or stain if object is metal
• Sensitivity to light

TREATMENT

• • Flush the eye using sterile running water, making sure the affected eye is angled downwards towards the ground to prevent any runoff from entering the opposite eye.
• Seek medical help.

EMBEDDED OBJECT / LACERATION TO THE EYE

Do not remove the object. Instead:

• • Cover both eyes using a sterile dressing ensuring not to make contact with the object or apply any direct pressure to it.
• Transport to hospital or ring for an ambulance.

CHEMICAL BURN TO THE EYE

Wearing gloves

• Flush the eye using sterile running water for a minimum of 20 minutes making sure the affected eye is angled downwards towards the ground to prevent any runoff from entering the opposite eye.
• Identify the chemical.
• Cover both eyes with a sterile dressing.
• Transport to hospital or ring for an ambulance.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

Ultraviolet (UV) light can cause a corneal flash burn injury which typically occurs from exposure to the sun or glare from a welder’s torch.

Signs of flash burn are:

• Pain
• Redness and watering
• A gritty feeling
• Sensitivity to light

TREATMENT

• Cover both eyes using a sterile dressing ensuring not to make contact with the object or apply any direct pressure to it.
• Transport to hospital or ring for an ambulance.