With Saturday, 14 September marking World First Aid Day, it’s a good time to refresh your knowledge of basic first aid when it comes to the eyes; one of the most delicate and vulnerable parts of our bodies.
Eye injuries can occur in various settings—whether at home, work or outdoors—and knowing how to respond quickly and correctly can help prevent further damage and protect vision.
According to the most recently released data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), more than 50,000 Aussies were hospitalised for an eye injury within a five-year period.
Over a quarter (27%) of those patients admitted to hospital presented with an open wound of the eyelid and the skin surrounding the eyeball.
As prevention is always better than a cure (and catastrophic consequences!), it is crucial to wear protective eyewear while participating in high-risk sports, workplace activities that involve construction or chemicals, home DIY projects, gardening and other outdoor jobs that carry the possibility of debris exposure.
In Australia, workplace environments account for about 60% of all reported eye injuries treated in hospital emergency departments, ranging from chemical burns to penetrating injuries.
It's significant to note that wearing properly prescribed eye protection could prevent nine out of every ten cases of ocular injuries.
However, if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself inflicted with an eye injury or other ocular trauma, here are the essential must-knows when it comes to administering first aid.
Foreign object in the eye
When dust, dirt or small particles get into the eye, they can cause irritation and discomfort.
If possible, encourage the affected person to blink repeatedly to try to flush the object out naturally.
It's important to wash hands first, then gently rinse the eye with clean water or, if you have them on hand, the saline solution often found in vials in first aid kits is even more effective.
If the object doesn’t come out easily, cover the closed eye with a clean cloth or sterile dressing and seek professional attention promptly.
Avoid rubbing the eye, as this could lead to further damage by scratching the cornea.
Importantly, NEVER attempt to remove any object embedded in the eye, as this requires immediate professional expertise and intervention.
Chemical burns
Chemical splashes from cleaning agents, industrial products or even cosmetics can cause serious eye damage and require very prompt action.
Rinse the affected eye immediately with copious amounts of clean, lukewarm water for at least 15–20 minutes, ensuring the eyelids are held open for thorough flushing. If you are wearing contact lenses, try to remove them during the rinse.
After flushing, seek professional assistance without delay, as chemicals can continue to harm the eye. Avoid using any eye drops or ointments unless advised by a professional and do not bandage the eye as this may trap harmful substances and worsen the situation.
Blunt trauma
Blunt trauma to the eye, whether from a ball, fist or other object, can lead to swelling, bruising or even internal eye damage.
To manage this, gently apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling but be sure not to rub or apply any pressure directly to the eye as this can worsen any internal damage that was sustained.
If the person experiences pain, changes in vision or bleeding in or around the eye, seek professional attention immediately.
Cuts or punctures to the eye
Lacerations or puncture wounds near the eye are medical emergencies that require urgent care.
If such an injury occurs, gently cover the affected eye with a shield or sterile dressing.
However, if you don’t have these on hand, a paper cup taped in place can serve as a makeshift shield. It's important to keep the injured person’s eye as still as possible, as movement can cause further damage.
As mentioned earlier, do not attempt to remove any object lodged in or near the eye and avoid rinsing or applying pressure to the wound, as this could worsen the injury.
Flashes and floaters
Following head trauma or an eye injury, some individuals may notice sudden flashes of light or "floaters" in their vision.
These symptoms can sometimes signal retinal detachment, a serious condition requiring immediate professional attention.
If the injured person experiences any sudden changes in vision, such as flashes of light or floating spots, it’s crucial to seek emergency eye care right away to prevent potential permanent vision loss.
Some final thoughts to consider
- It can be easy to panic, especially with eye injuries, but keeping calm and acting swiftly is key
- Whether it’s a foreign object or injury, touching or rubbing the eye can lead to further damage
- Keep a basic first aid kit in that includes saline solution, an eye bath and sterile eye patches or dressings in your home, car and workplace
- If you’re unsure about the severity of an eye injury, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult optometrist or seek emergency medical assistance
To locate your closest optometrist, use our easy search tool here.
Need to purchase or refill your First Aid Kit/s? St John Ambulance has you covered via its online shop.
