Eye Injuries

Many people get eye injuries as a result of chemicals or foreign substances entering their eyes. Medlineplus states that although many injuries do not cause permanent damage to the eyes, some can put people at risk for losing their vision.

Common Eye Injuries

• A corneal abrasion occurs when someone is poked in the eye or rubs his eye while having a foreign substance, such as sand or dust, on his hands. A chemical burn occurs when a chemical substance is sprayed into the eye.

First Aid Prior to Medical Care

• If you get chemicals in your eye, flush them out with water. If you are hit in the eye, put an ice bag or cold compress on it. For foreign objects, use an eye wash to rinse out your eye. Prevent Blindness America states that if you have a cut on your eye or eyelid, you should cover your eye with the bottom of a paper cup.

First Aid for All Injuries

• Kidshealth.org states that you should not apply pressure to your eye with any type of eye injury because you could risk injuring your cornea, the transparent tissue in the front of the eye. If there is an object stuck in your eye, do not try to remove it.

Medical Assistance

• Seek help from a medical provider if you get chemicals in your eye, have swelling in your eye, have a discolored eye, experience vision problems and/or get a cut in your eye or eyelid.

Prevention

• According to Prevent Blindness America, people who work around chemicals and foreign substances should wear goggles or safety glasses while working around them.