The Do's and Don'ts of Dealing with Eye Accidents and Emergencies
Eye injuries can be painful, expensive, and, in some cases, may invite blindness. So if you ever suffer an eye injury, taking appropriate measures until you receive emergency eye care will not only reduce the risk of partial or total blindness, but also help you protect your vision. Since you may not always be able to avoid eye accidents, knowing the do's and don'ts will keep you prepared to handle any emergency until you get to your eye doctor.
When a Small Foreign Object Gets in Your Eye
Do: Rinse your eye thoroughly with water until the foreign object gets flushed out, and if you are unable to get it out of your eye, cover the eye and rush to the nearest eye doctor.
Don't: Don't touch or rub the eye because the foreign object can scratch the eye, causing further damage.
How to Remove Embedded Particles
Do: Immediately bandage the affected eye and see an eye doctor to prevent an infection.
Don't: Do not try to remove the embedded object yourself, as it may scratch the cornea and damage your vision.
How to Safely Handle a Cut Near the Eye
Do: In case of cuts, safely cover the injured area around the eye using bandage to avoid contamination and infection until you receive emergency eye care.
Don't: Avoid flushing or washing the cut with water, and don't put any pressure on it.
What to Do in Case of Bumps and Bruises
Do: Apply a soothing cold compress for at least 15 minutes to reduce the swelling, and visit an ophthalmologist immediately.
Don't: Do not put any pressure on the affected area.
How to Treat Welding Arc Burns
Do: Keep the eyes closed until you receive emergency eye care.
Don't: Don't delay visiting an ophthalmologist as doing so can increase the risk of vision loss.
Carefully Approaching Chemical Exposure
Do: In case of chemical exposure, immediately flush the eyes using clean water and see an eye doctor without wasting any time.
Don't: Do not cover the eyes, and avoid touching or rubbing because this may cause vital eye fluids to leak out.
Because your eye is a vital organ that gets easily damaged by cuts, burns, scratches, and chemical exposure, any eye condition that is left untreated can invite partial or permanent loss of vision. So never put your eyes at risk and act quickly whenever you suffer an eye injury, whether it is minor or serious.
Tips to Keep Eye Injuries at Bay
Eye injuries can be avoided if appropriate safety measures are taken in everyday life. Use the following tips to safeguard your eyesight in the long term:
- Handle sharp objects with extreme care and keep them away from the reach of small children.
- At work, wear protective equipment, especially when you are working with power tools or chemicals.
- When participating in sports, always wear your helmet and appropriate safety gear.
- When working outdoors, wear sunglasses that fit snugly around your eyes for protection from harmful UV rays and flying objects.
- Secure the rugs and railings in and around your house to avoid eyes injuries that occur due to accidental slips and falls.
If an eye injury occurs despite taking every precaution, the best way to handle the situation is to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency eye care center as soon as possible. Other eye conditions that are not triggered by an injury but still warrant emergency eye care include blurred vision, redness, painful red eyes, and persistent swelling.
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, an Ophthalmology Center in California. With a knack for understanding medical procedures and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.
Posted on May 15, 2018