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Eye injuries that happen regularly involve the entry of a speck of dust into the eyes, rubbing the eyes due to some allergens or accidentally sustaining a black eye. Most of these eye injuries can be treated at home but for serious injuries, it would require medical help immediately. You can be prepared to handle eye injuries if you will register for first aid training today.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uR6luAA6zE”]Treatment and home remedies for eye injuries
- Determine the extent of the injury whether it is minor or serious. Minor injuries involve getting sand or dirt in the eye, rubbing the eyes caused by allergens or a black eye. As for serious injuries, it includes scratching the cornea, corneal burn and cuts in the eye.
- Treat eye irritation by washing out the eye using warm, sterile water using an eye cup. Repeat the procedure for 2-3 times for about 10 minutes. Another way to wash the eye is using a water fountain, a hose or shower head for 5 minutes and if the debris are not removed, seek medical care immediately.
- Use eye drops for allergies of the eye in order to help relieve itching and burning. Avoid rubbing the eyes since it will cause further irritation.
- If an object has penetrated the eye, cover the eye with an eye cup or use a patch that is taped in place and bring the individual to the emergency department.
- Apply a clean cloth or sterile bandage around a minor cut in the eye. If it does not seem to heal or other symptoms start to develop, seek medical help.
- If there is a black eye, apply gentle cold compress to the eye in order to minimize the swelling at 10 minute intervals at least 4-5 times within the first 36-48 hours. Elevate the head to minimize swelling and provide aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Chemical burns in the eyes should be treated immediately. Chemical burns can be caused by household cleaners that are accidentally splashed into the eye, an aerosol spray that enters the eyes and even gasoline or acid that enters the eyes. You have to wash the eyes using warm and sterile water with an eye cup.
- Burns in the eyes can be caused by flames, caustic fumes, hot air or steam as well as tanning lamps or direct sunlight. These eye injuries require immediate medical care.
- If there are lacerations or punctures in the eye, cover the eye with an eye patch or a piece of gauze and tape it in place immediately. Avoid rubbing the eyes or attempt to remove any objects that penetrated the eye and seek medical help immediately.
Important tips when treating eye injuries
- The bandages around the eyes should be clean and dry.
- Put a cloth between the bandages and cold packs.
- Wear sunglasses in order to protect the eyes from sunburn.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes it can cause further damage to the eyes.
- Avoid using chemical cold packs around the affected eye.