EYE INJURY

The eye is very susceptible to infection. Always wash hands thoroughly or use sterile gloves when treating eye injuries. If the casualty is wearing contact lenses, have the casualty remove them. To prevent movement and further damage to the injured eye, both eyes need to be covered. Explain to the casualty why and what you are doing. Reassure the casualty.

Causes

  • Eyelashes
  • Cosmetics
  • Glass lInsects
  • Grit or dirt
  • Metal
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Foreign Bodies – Minor:

Treatment

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

  • Stand behind casualty and tilt their head back.
  • Ask the casualty to look left, right, up and down.
  • Remove any foreign object only if on the white of the eye.
  • Place the upper lid over the lower lid of the eye.
  • Use sterile water to wash out the eye.

Foreign Bodies – Major:

Treatment:

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty.

  • Lay the casualty on their back with their shoulders raised.
  • Ensure the casualty avoids eye movement by covering the eye making sure there is no contact with the eye’s surface.
  • Use a ring pad over the eye and bandage in place to prevent the foreign body or the eye from moving.
  • Always cover both eyes to prevent eye movement.
  • DO NOT remove an object on the coloured part of the eye.
  • DO NOT remove an embedded object from the eye.
  • DO NOT rub the eyes.

Burns to the eye:

Treatment:

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty.

  • Gently open the eyelids and wash the eyes with cold running water for twenty minutes.
  • Place eye pads over both eyes and bandage in place.
  • Seek medical attention.
  • DO NOT rub the eyes.
eye injury