
First aid for common eye problems
26 September 2024
Eye emergencies encompass a variety of situations, such as cuts, scrapes, objects caught in the eye, burns, chemical exposure, and blunt force injuries to the eye or eyelid. In addition, certain eye infections and conditions such as blood clots or glaucoma may also require urgent medical attention. Since the eye is particularly vulnerable to injury, any of these situations can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Foreign bodies: These can enter the eye and become loose inside (such as sand, eyelashes, or insects) or become embedded in the ocular surface (such as metal, stone, or wood particles).
- Chemical burns: These are one of the most common and serious injuries an eye can suffer.
- Eye contusions: Direct blows to the eye, such as those caused by a punch, can affect not only the eye itself but also surrounding areas such as the eyebrows, eyelids, and bones of the orbit. Impacts with medium-sized objects, such as balls, are typical in these cases.
- Cuts to the eyelid.
First aid:
1. In case of chemical burns or foreign bodies in the eye, it is essential to rinse it with plenty of water, keeping the eyelids open. If the discomfort persists, the inside of the eyelid should be cleaned again with water and avoid rubbing the eye. If the symptoms continue, cover the eye with a clean, moist dressing and seek medical attention.
2. In case of burns caused by hydrocarbons, such as petrol or gasoline, the remains should first be removed with a dry cloth or gauze before washing the eye, since contact with water can generate excessive heat. If a foreign body is embedded, washing is not effective and you should not try to remove it yourself; you should go to a medical center immediately.
3. In the case of eye contusions, the eye should be washed with plenty of water, cold compresses or ice should be applied, and one or both eyes should be covered with wet gauze, depending on the severity of the injury. It is important to go to a medical center immediately, avoiding the use of eye drops.
4. In the case of cuts on the eyelid, wash the area carefully and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, avoiding putting direct pressure on the eyeball. It is safe to press on the bone around the eye. Then, cover the wound with a clean dressing, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention immediately.
Urgent medical attention should be sought if any of the following situations occur: an object or chemical substance enters the eye, there is pain and redness, changes in vision, or if the eye pain is accompanied by nausea or headache, which could indicate a serious condition such as glaucoma. In addition, an ophthalmologist should also be consulted if there is uncontrollable bleeding.