Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Eye Injuries

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: June 2002
Last Revision Date: June 2002

• What are the different kinds of eye injuries?
• What are some general rules for treating eye injuries?
• How can eye injuries be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What are the different kinds of eye injuries?

Scratches and cuts

• Scratches to the cornea (clear part of the eye) should be treated immediately.
• Call the doctor.
• If the eye is bleeding, cover both eyes with a clean cloth.
• Do not press on the eye.

Foreign body

• If tiny specks of dust, sand, or fuzz get in the eye, it can cause pain and redness.
• Sometimes, blinking will help clear the eye or the eyes will water.
• Do not try to remove the object if it is resting on the cornea.
• Do not rub the eye.
• Wash your hands before touching the eye.
• Look for the object. Have the person look up and down and side to side.
• If you can't see it, gently pull down on the lower lid and then on the upper lid to try to find it.
• If you find it, keep the eye open while you gently flush it out with water.
• If the object does not come out, cover they eye with a clean cloth and see a doctor.
• If the object comes out but the person has cloudy vision, go to the doctor.
• Call the doctor if pain or redness do not go away.

Object stuck in the eye

• Call the doctor immediately.
• Keep the person calm.
• Do not try to remove any object that is stuck in the eye.
• Do not put any pressure on it.
• Cover both eyes with a clean cloth.
• If the object is sticking out, place a paper cup over it and tape it in place.

Burns

• Burns can be caused by chemicals, heat, water, steam, or smoke.
• Call the doctor.
• Keep the burned area clean.
• Do not breathe or cough on the burned area.
• Splash it with cool water. Stop if it hurts.
• Touch a cold cloth to the eye, such as a cool washcloth or ice wrapped in a towel.
• Do not press on the eye.

Chemicals

• Many household products and sprays can cause eye injuries.
• Call the doctor.
• Turn the person's head so the eye is facing down and to the side.
• Keep the eye open. Pour fresh water in the eye for 15 minutes. This may be painful.
• If both eyes are hurt or if chemicals got on other parts of the body, have the person take a cool shower.
• After the eyes are rinsed, take out contact lenses.
• Cover both eyes with a clean cloth.
• Do not rub the eyes.

Blows to the eye/Black eye

• A black eye is usually caused by a direct blow to the face, such as in a sports injury, an accident, or a fight.
• Head injuries can also cause bruises around the eyes.
• Call the doctor.
• Touch a cold cloth to the eye. Do not press on it.
• If the eye is bleeding, cover both eyes with a clean cloth and see a doctor right away.
• If the skin is deeply cut, stitches may be needed.

What are some general rules for treating eye injuries?

• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured.
• Wash your hands before touching the eye.
• Do not press on an injured eye or rub it.
• Do not take out contact lenses unless the eye is swelling very fast and you cannot get medical help right away.
• Do not use dry cotton (such as cotton swabs) or sharp tools around the eye (such as tweezers).
• Do not try to remove anything that is stuck in the eye.
• Keep the injured area clean and covered. Avoid breathing or coughing over it.

How can eye injuries be prevented?

• To help prevent eye injuries, wear protective glasses if you work in a job where dust, sand, etc. may get in the eyes (such as construction workers).
• Wear protective glasses when working with chemicals or electrical tools.
• Teach children not to throw rocks, throw sand, or play with sticks.
• Wear protective goggles for sports.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured.
• Call immediately if the injury is serious.
• Call any time chemicals get in the eye.
• Call if the cornea has been scratched.
• Call if redness, swelling, or pain will not go away.
• Call if there are any changes in vision.

Quick Answers

• The eyes can be injured by scratches, cuts, foreign bodies, burns, chemicals, and blows to the eye.
• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured. Wash your hands before touching the injured eye. Do not press on it or rub it.
• To help prevent eye injuries, wear protective glasses.
• Call the doctor any time the eye is injured. Call immediately if the injury is serious.

References

• MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Eye emergencies. 1999 October 08 (cited 2002 March 15).
• The Merck Manual. Eye Injuries. 1995-2001 (cited 2002 March 15).
• Prevent Blindness America. First Aid for Eye Injuries. 1998-2000 (cited 2002 March 15).

See related Patient Topics Eye Injuries, Eyes and Vision or Injuries and Wounds.

See related Provider Topics Eyes and Vision or Injuries and Wounds.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/cqqa/eyeinjuries.html