Quick Action Guide
🚨 GET EMERGENCY CARE IF:
- • Trouble seeing or vision changes
- • Something stuck in the eye
- • Severe eye pain
- • Blood in the eye
- • Cut on the eye
- • Unequal or abnormal pupils
- • Chemical exposure
📞 CALL DOCTOR IF:
- • Redness or swelling around eye
- • Eye pain or tenderness
- • Eye rubbing or light sensitivity
- • Tearing or watering
💡 HOME TREATMENT FOR DUST/SMALL DEBRIS:
- • Wash hands before touching eye
- • Remove contact lenses
- • Flush with lukewarm water for 5 minutes
- • Repeat if needed (up to 3 times)
- • Call doctor if still there after 15 minutes
First Aid for Eye Injuries
Most eye injuries are minor, like getting soap in the eye or a speck of dirt under the eyelid. Others, like those that happen during sports or from a fall, can be serious and need medical care right away. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can prevent permanent damage and vision loss.
Signs & Symptoms of Eye Injuries
Physical Signs
- • Red eye or redness around the eye
- • Bleeding
- • Bruising
- • Swollen eyelid
Eye Sensations
- • Eye stinging or burning
- • Tearing or watering
- • Sensitivity to light
- • Blurry vision
Other Symptoms
- • Upset stomach or vomiting after injury
- • Headache
- • Dizziness
When Does an Eye Injury Need Medical Care?
Take your child for medical care right away if they have:
- • Trouble seeing
- • Something stuck in the eye
- • Severe eye pain
- • Blood in the eye
- • Upset stomach or vomiting after an eye injury
- • A cut on the eye
- • Pupils that don't look equal or one isn't round
- • An injury from being struck in the eye with a ball or other object
⚠️ Don't Wait - Act Quickly
Eye injuries can worsen quickly. If there's any doubt about the seriousness of an injury, it's always better to seek medical care immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and preserve vision.
Chemical Exposure - Emergency First Aid
If your child's eye was exposed to chemicals, start rinsing immediately:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the eye.
- Remove contact lenses if your child wears them.
- Flush the eye with water for 15 minutes:
- - Tilt your child's head to the side over a basin or sink with the injured eye on the bottom
- - Gently pour a steady stream of room-temperature water over the eye while your child blinks
- - If both eyes are affected, you can rinse both at the same time in the shower if your child can cooperate
Every Second Counts
If you have a hard time getting your child to cooperate, know that even a few minutes of rinsing the eyes will help. After rinsing, get emergency medical care right away. You also can call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go online.
Common Household Chemicals
Common sources include cleaning products, bleach, ammonia, swimming pool chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers. All of these require immediate irrigation and medical attention.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call the doctor if your child's eye is red or if there's redness, swelling, or pain around the eye or eyelid. Also call if your child has been rubbing the eye or if it's bothered by light.
When in doubt, it's better to call your doctor and describe the symptoms. They can help you determine if an office visit or immediate medical attention is needed.
How Can I Treat Eye Injuries at Home?
You can treat some types of minor eye injuries at home. For dust or small debris in the eye:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the eye.
- Remove contact lenses if your child wears them.
- Flush the eye with water:
- - Tilt your child's head over a basin or sink with the injured eye pointed down
- - Gently pull down the lower lid
- - Gently pour a steady stream of lukewarm water over the eye while your child blinks
- Flush for 5 minutes, then check to see if the dust or debris was flushed out.
- If it's still there, flush again for 5 minutes. You can repeat a third time if needed.
- If it's still there after 15 minutes of flushing, call your doctor.
What NOT to Do
- • Don't rub the eye - this can cause more damage
- • Don't use tweezers or cotton swabs to remove objects
- • Don't use eye drops unless recommended by a doctor
- • Don't try to remove objects that are stuck in the eye
- • Don't put pressure on the injured eye
What Can Help Prevent Eye Injuries?
Eye injuries in kids can lead to serious vision problems, even blindness, so preventing them is important. Be sure that:
- • Kids who play sports wear protective goggles or unbreakable glasses as needed
- - Sports like basketball, baseball, tennis, and racquetball carry high eye injury risk
- - Polycarbonate lenses are shatter-resistant and recommended for active sports
- • Chemicals and other hazardous objects are out of the reach of children
- - Lock cabinets containing cleaning products, pesticides, and chemicals
- - Store items in their original containers with labels intact
Additional Prevention Tips
- • Supervise children during activities that could cause eye injuries
- • Teach kids not to aim toys or objects at others' faces
- • Keep sharp objects and tools safely stored
- • Use safety gates and childproofing measures
- • Ensure toys are age-appropriate and in good condition
- • Provide adequate lighting for activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my child's eye injury is serious?
A: Any injury with vision changes, severe pain, bleeding in the eye, or an object stuck in the eye requires immediate medical attention. When in doubt, it's better to seek care than wait.
Q: Can I use eye drops for an eye injury?
A: Do not use any eye drops unless specifically recommended by a doctor. Some drops can make certain injuries worse or interfere with medical treatment.
Q: What should I do if an object is stuck in my child's eye?
A: Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Cover both eyes with a clean bandage or cloth to prevent eye movement, and seek immediate medical attention. Keep your child still and calm.
Q: How can I protect my child's eyes during sports?
A: Use protective eyewear specifically designed for the sport. Look for ASTM F803 certified sports eye protection. Regular eyeglasses do not provide adequate protection and can break, causing further injury.
Q: What if my child gets soap or shampoo in their eyes?
A: Flush the eye gently with cool water for several minutes. Most household soaps and shampoos cause temporary irritation but don't cause permanent damage. If irritation persists, contact your doctor.
Q: Can eye injuries cause permanent vision loss?
A: Yes, serious eye injuries can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. That's why immediate medical attention is crucial for any injury involving vision changes, severe pain, or apparent eye damage.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information about handling eye injuries and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Eye injuries can cause permanent vision loss. Always seek immediate medical attention for serious injuries, vision changes, or when in doubt. For chemical exposure, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Trust your parental instincts—when it comes to eye injuries, it's always better to be safe and seek professional medical care.