Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Eye Injuries

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: June 2002
Last Revision Date: June 2002

• What are the different kinds of eye injuries?
• What are some general rules for treating eye injuries?
• How can eye injuries be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What are the different kinds of eye injuries?

Scratches and cuts

• Scratches to the cornea (clear part of the eye) should be treated immediately.
• Call the doctor.
• If the eye is bleeding, cover both eyes with a clean cloth.
• Do not press on the eye.

Foreign body

• If tiny specks of dust, sand, or fuzz get in the eye, it can cause pain and redness.
• Sometimes, blinking will help clear the eye or the eyes will water.
• Do not try to remove the object if it is resting on the cornea.
• Do not rub the eye.
• Wash your hands before touching the eye.
• Look for the object. Have the person look up and down and side to side.
• If you can't see it, gently pull down on the lower lid and then on the upper lid to try to find it.
• If you find it, keep the eye open while you gently flush it out with water.
• If the object does not come out, cover they eye with a clean cloth and see a doctor.
• If the object comes out but the person has cloudy vision, go to the doctor.
• Call the doctor if pain or redness do not go away.

Object stuck in the eye

• Call the doctor immediately.
• Keep the person calm.
• Do not try to remove any object that is stuck in the eye.
• Do not put any pressure on it.
• Cover both eyes with a clean cloth.
• If the object is sticking out, place a paper cup over it and tape it in place.

Burns

• Burns can be caused by chemicals, heat, water, steam, or smoke.
• Call the doctor.
• Keep the burned area clean.
• Do not breathe or cough on the burned area.
• Splash it with cool water. Stop if it hurts.
• Touch a cold cloth to the eye, such as a cool washcloth or ice wrapped in a towel.
• Do not press on the eye.

Chemicals

• Many household products and sprays can cause eye injuries.
• Call the doctor.
• Turn the person's head so the eye is facing down and to the side.
• Keep the eye open. Pour fresh water in the eye for 15 minutes. This may be painful.
• If both eyes are hurt or if chemicals got on other parts of the body, have the person take a cool shower.
• After the eyes are rinsed, take out contact lenses.
• Cover both eyes with a clean cloth.
• Do not rub the eyes.

Blows to the eye/Black eye

• A black eye is usually caused by a direct blow to the face, such as in a sports injury, an accident, or a fight.
• Head injuries can also cause bruises around the eyes.
• Call the doctor.
• Touch a cold cloth to the eye. Do not press on it.
• If the eye is bleeding, cover both eyes with a clean cloth and see a doctor right away.
• If the skin is deeply cut, stitches may be needed.

What are some general rules for treating eye injuries?

• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured.
• Wash your hands before touching the eye.
• Do not press on an injured eye or rub it.
• Do not take out contact lenses unless the eye is swelling very fast and you cannot get medical help right away.
• Do not use dry cotton (such as cotton swabs) or sharp tools around the eye (such as tweezers).
• Do not try to remove anything that is stuck in the eye.
• Keep the injured area clean and covered. Avoid breathing or coughing over it.

How can eye injuries be prevented?

• To help prevent eye injuries, wear protective glasses if you work in a job where dust, sand, etc. may get in the eyes (such as construction workers).
• Wear protective glasses when working with chemicals or electrical tools.
• Teach children not to throw rocks, throw sand, or play with sticks.
• Wear protective goggles for sports.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured.
• Call immediately if the injury is serious.
• Call any time chemicals get in the eye.
• Call if the cornea has been scratched.
• Call if redness, swelling, or pain will not go away.
• Call if there are any changes in vision.

Quick Answers

• The eyes can be injured by scratches, cuts, foreign bodies, burns, chemicals, and blows to the eye.
• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured. Wash your hands before touching the injured eye. Do not press on it or rub it.
• To help prevent eye injuries, wear protective glasses.
• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured. Call immediately if the injury is serious.

References

• MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Eye emergencies. 1999 October 08 (cited 2002 March 15).
• The Merck Manual. Eye Injuries. 1995-2001 (cited 2002 March 15).
• Prevent Blindness America. First Aid for Eye Injuries. 1998-2000 (cited 2002 March 15).

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