Treating Eye Injuries
First Aid for eyes
Small Particles of Dust in the Eye
Minor eye injuries are simple to treat and usually do not require an medical help. Small particles of dust or dirt can easily be washed out of the eye with a saline solution (eyewash), if that is not available use cold tap water. Always ensure that the eyewash washes away from the good eye just in case you wash the dust into that eye.
Chemicals in the Eye
When you suspect that the casualty has chemicals in the eye you should rinse with copious amounts of eyewash or water. A shower is ideal where chemicals need to be removed, again make sure that the water runs away from the good eye. This rinsing will dilute the chemical. Call 999/112 if you need emergency assistance. After flushing the eye, cover with a sterile eye pad and visit A and E.
More Serious Eye Injuries
Encourage the casualty to close both eyes. Cover the eye with a sterile eye dressing and bandage. It is a good idea to bandage the good eye too as this will stop the casualty from moving the injured eye. Take the casualty to hospital, if necessary dial 999/112 for assistance.
