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Eye injuries: first aid and treatment

Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.

The eyes are sensitive and easily damaged. Immediate, gentle first aid can prevent permanent vision loss in an emergency.

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  1. For chemical splashes: flush the eye immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelid open.
  2. For small dust particles: blink rapidly or flush gently with clean water.
  3. For objects stuck in the eye: do not rub the eye, and do not try to pull out any embedded object.
  4. For blunt trauma: apply a cold compress gently around the eye socket without pressing on the eyeball itself.
  5. Seek professional medical evaluation for any painful or severe eye injury.

Chemical splashes in the eye

Chemicals such as household cleaners, drain openers, battery acid, fertilizer, or bleach cause rapid damage to the eye.

  • Begin flushing the affected eye immediately under a shower, tap water, or clean bottled water.
  • Keep the eye wide open with your fingers while flushing.
  • If you wear contact lenses, try to remove them while flushing, but do not stop flushing to take them out.
  • Flush continuously for 15 to 20 minutes before traveling to the hospital.
  • Bring the chemical container or safety label with you to the emergency room if safe to do so.

Foreign objects in the eye

Dust, sand, eyelashes, or metal shavings cause irritation and scratches.

  • Do not rub your eye, as rubbing can drive sharp particles into the cornea.
  • Pull the upper eyelid down over the lower eyelid and let the eye tear up to flush out the object.
  • Flush the eye gently with sterile saline solution or clean water.
  • If an object is embedded in or sticking out of the eyeball, cover both eyes loosely with a clean cloth or paper cup and call emergency services immediately.

Blows to the eye (blunt trauma)

A direct hit from a ball, fist, or hard object can cause bruising or internal eye damage.

  • Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth gently over the cheek and brow area.
  • Do not apply direct pressure to the eyeball.
  • Check for changes in vision, double vision, severe pain, or bleeding inside the eye.

When to seek emergency care

Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States, 112 in Europe, 999 in the United Kingdom) or get immediate emergency medical care if:

  • A chemical has splashed into the eye.
  • An object is embedded in the eyeball.
  • You notice a change in vision, blurred vision, loss of vision, or double vision.
  • Blood is visible inside the colored part of the eye (iris).
  • The eye is leaking fluid or cut.

... note "Protect your eyes" Wear protective safety goggles whenever using power tools, handling hazardous chemicals, or doing yard work. A certified first aid course teaches key skills for managing head and facial trauma.