1. Flush the Eye With Water
Running warm tap water over an injured eye is one way to treat a minor eye injury. Do not touch or press on the eye during irrigation or flushing and flush for 10 or 15 minutes. Keep in mind that this is only effective for minor eye injuries. Serious injuries require medical attention and could cause blindness if not treated immediately.
2. Impaled Objects
Never remove an impaled object from the eye. It is best to place a paper cup or other covering over the impaled object and tape it down. This will prevent the impaled object from moving before you can get to the emergency room. Do not try to flush or irrigate an eye with an impaled object protruding from it.
3. When to Call 911
If the eye injury is severe and you are unsure of what to do, call 911. The dispatcher will be able to walk you through some steps until emergency medical help arrives. Call 911 and seek emergency help for a bleeding eye, impaled object, extreme pain, swelling or bruising.
4. Chemical Exposures
If the eye has been exposed to some form of a chemical, you should flush the eye with lukewarm tap water and call for medical help. You can also call the local poison control center for more advice on what to do for different types of chemical exposures.
5. Black Eyes or Blunt Injuries
If you have been hit in the eye, you will probably have some bruising or swelling. You can treat these injuries with an ice pack or a heating pad. In addition, over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can relieve the pain and swelling. It will take about a week or so for this type of injury to heal. If you suspect a fracture on the eye socket or surrounding areas, you should seek medical attention.
