First Aid-Lesson 12-Eye injuries
First aid for scratched eye (corneal abrasion)
This can be caused by rubbing the eye if there is a foreign object in it, or perhaps by getting poked in the eye.
If you believe that something has scratched your eye, seek medical attention immediately or visit your optometrist.
First aid for chemical eye injury
Some substances may burn or sting if they splash your eye; some may not cause long-term harm, but chemical splashes can still cause serious injury.
- Acid. As a general rule, acids can cause considerable redness and burning but can be washed out fairly easily.
- Alkali. Substances or chemicals that are basic (alkali) are much more serious but may not seem so because they don’t cause as much immediate eye pain or redness as acids. Some examples of alkali substances are oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and even chalk dust.
If you’re splashed in the eye, call 000, put your head under a steady stream of tap water for at least 20 minutes. Just let it run into your eye and down your face.
If you are experiencing blurriness or redness, please seek medical help immediately.
