Eye emergencies

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Eye	First aid kit

EYE CUTS, SCRATCHES, OR BLOWS

1. If the eyeball has been injured, get medical help immediately.
2. Gently apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and help stop any bleeding. DO NOT apply pressure to control bleeding.
3. If blood is pooling in the eye, cover both of the person's eyes with a clean cloth or sterile dressing, and get medical help.

EYELID CUTS

1. Carefully wash the eye. Apply a thick layer of bacitracin or mupirocin ointment on the eyelid. Place a patch over the eye. Seek medical help immediately.
2. If the cut is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides.
3. Rinse with water, cover with a clean dressing, and place a cold compress on the dressing to reduce pain and swelling.

• DO NOT press or rub an injured eye.
• DO NOT remove contact lenses unless rapid swelling is occurring, there is a chemical injury and the contacts did not come out with the water flush, or you cannot get prompt medical help.
• DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign body that appears to be embedded in any part of the eye. Get medical help immediately.
• DO NOT use cotton swabs, tweezers, or anything else on the eye itself. Cotton swabs should only be used on the eyelid.
• DO NOT attempt to remove an embedded object.

Seek emergency medical care if:

• There appears to be any visible scratch, cut, or penetration of your eyeball.
• Any chemical gets into your eye.
• The eye is painful and red.
• Nausea accompanies the eye pain.
• You have any trouble seeing (such as blurry vision).

Review Date: 02/22/2007
Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.