If you injure your eye, it’s crucial to take immediate action to minimise further damage and seek appropriate medical attention. Here are some steps to follow:
Stay calm: Panicking can worsen the situation. Try to remain composed and focused.
Assess the severity: Determine the seriousness of the injury. If you’re experiencing severe pain, loss of vision, bleeding, or a foreign object in your eye, it is considered a medical emergency. In such cases, do not delay seeking professional (local Optometrist/GP or Emergency centre) for help.
Do not rub or touch your eye: Touching or rubbing the injured eye can aggravate the damage and introduce infection-causing bacteria. It’s important to avoid any unnecessary contact with the affected eye.
Protect the eye: If there is an object or debris in your eye, avoid attempting to remove it yourself. Instead, cover the eye with a rigid shield or the bottom half of a paper cup to protect it from further harm. Do not apply pressure directly on the eye.
Rinse the eye (if necessary): If a foreign object, dust, or chemical substance has entered your eye, rinse it gently with clean water. Tilt your head sideways, with the injured eye facing down, and allow the water to flow across your eye from the inner corner to the outer corner. Avoid using forceful streams of water or applying any pressure to the eye.
Do not apply medication: Unless instructed by a medical professional, avoid using any eye drops, ointments, or medications. Improper use of medication can potentially worsen the injury or hinder accurate diagnosis by a healthcare provider.
Seek medical attention: Even if the injury seems minor, it’s always best to have your eye examined by a medical professional (GP or Optometrist) they will refer you for further investigation should it be necessary.
Visit an emergency room, urgent care centre, or an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, especially if you experience severe symptoms or the injury doesn’t improve.
Follow medical advice: Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional. They may conduct a thorough examination, prescribe medication, recommend eye protection, or suggest further tests or specialist consultations, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.
Remember, when it comes to eye injuries, timely medical attention is vital. Neglecting or mishandling an eye injury can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
