What should you do in case of eye injury?

You suddenly notice that your eye is stinging, tears are rolling down your cheeks and you can barely see. Perhaps a dirt has gotten into it, you accidentally hit your eye or you came in contact with a chemical. Eye injuries can range from minor discomfort to a serious situation that requires immediate medical attention. The sooner you know what to do, the better you can prevent serious damage.

What is eye injury and how does it occur?

Eye injuries can occur in a variety of ways. A speck of dust, grain of sand or splinter can enter the eye and cause irritation. A hard blow to the eye, such as from a ball or other object, can cause bruising or internal damage. Chemicals such as detergents or sprays can cause severe burns if they get into the eyes. Bright light, such as welding or direct exposure to the sun without protection, can also damage the eye. In all these cases, prompt and proper action is essential to prevent permanent damage.

How do you recognize eye injuries?

Eye problems can show themselves in many ways. Do you suffer from a red, watery eye, pain or a burning sensation? Then this is often a sign that something is not quite right. Sometimes it can also feel as if there is dirt in your eye that just won't go away. With more serious complaints, your eye may swell, you may have blurred vision or become extra sensitive to light. In some cases, you may even see spots or flashes of light, or your vision may deteriorate. Does your eye suddenly look very different? For example, if the pupil is no longer round or the eyelid appears torn, medical attention is necessary.

What to do when there is a speck of dirt in the eye?

If there is a small dust or dirt in the eye, it is important not to start rubbing, no matter how strong the urge. Blink vigorously a few times to try to wash the particle away with tears. If that does not help, the eye can be gently rinsed out with lukewarm water. When doing so, gently pull the lower eyelid down and pour the water out from the inner corner of the eye. Do you wear contact lenses? If so, remove them to prevent further irritation. If the dirt remains or the eye remains painful and irritated, it is wise to seek medical attention. Note: If glass or metal particles are suspected to be in the eye, always inspect the eye first under good lighting and do not just start flushing.

What to do in case of a blow to the eye?

A big blow to your eye, such as from a punch (rightly or wrongly) or something falling on your eye, can be quite nasty. It can lead to a big bruise or even damage inside. So what's the best thing to do? Try to touch your eye as little as possible and give it some rest. You can gently cool the area around your eye with a clean cloth or ice pack, but be careful not to press too hard! If vision becomes blurred, blood appears in the eye or pain gets worse, medical attention should be sought immediately.

What to do in case of chemical eye injury?

In case of contact with chemicals such as detergents, paints or sprays, quick action is crucial. Immediately rinse the eye with plenty of lukewarm water, preferably under a faucet or with a bottle of clean water. Keep the eye open and let the water flow over the eye for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid rubbing, as this may worsen the damage. After flushing, medical attention should always be sought, even if the symptoms seem to diminish.

How do you prevent eye injuries?

Eye injuries are sometimes just bad luck, but you can take a few smart steps to reduce your chances of getting one. For example, put on safety glasses if you are doing DIY and dust, splinters or chemicals are involved. Avoid direct contact with sprays or other irritants, and use protective sunglasses against bright light. In high-risk sports, sports glasses can help protect the eye from hard balls or other impacts. By being mindful of your eyes and protecting them properly, you can avoid many accidents and discomfort. Then suddenly the future looks a little better.

Why acting quickly in eye injuries is so important

The eyes are fragile, and damage can be permanent in some cases. What begins as a minor discomfort can, without prompt action, lead to infection, impaired vision or even permanent blindness. Providing proper first aid in time and seeking medical attention when needed can prevent many serious consequences. Eye injuries are not always immediately visible, but they can have a major long-term impact. So be alert and take complaints seriously, because good vision is essential in everyday life.

Do you want to be well prepared for various medical emergencies and learn how to act in life-saving ways? Then take our first aid and adult life-saving course.