Eye emergencies Health Article

Do Not

• 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.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

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).

Prevention

• Supervise children carefully. Teach them how to be safe.
• Always wear protective eye wear when using power tools, hammers, or other striking tools.
• Always wear protective eye wear when working with toxic chemicals.

References

Yanoff, M, Duker, JS and Augsburger, JJ, et al. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier; 2004:1391-1396.

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.