First Aid - Eye Injuries

Treatment of eye injuries

Dust or dirt

Small particles of dust or dirt can be washed out of an eye with a cold water tap. Make sure the water runs away from the good eye.

For a more serious eye injury

Keep the casualty still and gently hold a soft sterile dressing over the injured eye. This can be carefully bandaged in place if necessary.

Tell the casualty to close their good eye, because any movement of this will cause the injured eye to move too. If necessary bandage the good eye to stop the casualty using it. Lots of reassurance will be needed!

Take the casualty to hospital.

For chemicals in the eye

Irrigate with large volumes of clean water continuously, with the water running away from the good eye. Wearing gloves, gently but firmly try to open the eyelid to irrigate the eye fully.

Take the casualty to hospital.

Call 999/111 for emergency help