What to Do in an Eye Emergency

Each day, approximately 730,000 United States workers suffer eye injuries on the job. Over 25,000 sports-related eye injuries happen annually. Many others hurt their eyes in a multitude of ways. Therefore, it is important to know what to do if you are on the scene of an eye injury or one happens to you.

How Can Eyes Be Injured?

Eye injuries fit into four large categories. An object, like wood, dust or concrete, can end up in the eye. Eyes can also be injured from chemicals splashing into them or being exposed to chemical fumes. Other eye injuries happen through radiation. Finally, bloodborne pathogens can injure eyes.

What Should You Do If You Get Chemicals in Your Eyes?

The eye should immediately be flushed with clear water for at least 15 minutes. While many businesses have eye wash stations, if one is not available, then you can use the shower, a clean container or even a garden hose. If you wear contact lenses, then remove them. Do not put any other substances in your eye and seek immediate medical attention.

What Should You Do if You Get a Particle in Your Eye?

If you get a particle in your eye, such as dirt, dust or a metal fleck, then try to let your tears wash it out. If that is not successful, then try artificial tears. If still not successful, then try washing the eye with clear water. Pull the upper eyebrow over the lower one to encourage more tearing. If the object is still in the eye, then bandage the eye lightly and seek medical attention.

What Should You Do if You Get a Blow to the Eye?

Blows to the eye hurt. It does not matter if they come from being hit with a hammer or a baseball. Put some crushed ice in a plastic bag and leave it on your eye for 15 minutes. Then, see if you notice changes in your vision. If you do, then it is time to head to an eye doctor. If there is no vision changes, then you can put the ice back on for another 15 minutes. If there are vision changes, seek medical help immediately.

What Should You Do if Your Eye Gets Cut or Punctured?

It is important if you think your eye is cut or punctured to seek immediate medical care. If available, cover the eye with a rigid shield. The bottom half of a Styrofoam cup is a great choice. Do not try to remove the object.

Regardless of how you injure your eye, it is important to see an eye doctor in Orlando. Dr. Francisco José Richardson has many years of training and experience. His office is located at 2285 Aloma Avenue in Winter Park, Florida. You can contact this eye doctor in Orlando by calling (407) 672-2020 about the specifics of your case.

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