Overview
The eye is a fragile structure that can be effortlessly injured. If an item grazes or blemishes the eye surface, the casualty might lose some or all visualization in the wounded eye. Eye safety should always be worn when elements or liquid enter the eye.
A serious blow might harm soft tissues and bone surrounding the eye. This can produce force on the eyeball and cause hazy or double vision, or even loss of sight.
In a place of work where welding is carried out an excruciating injury might arise unless special defensive apparatus is used properly.
A chemical splatter in the eye can cause everlasting loss of vision and requires quick first aid and medical assistance.
Symptoms and signs – (some may not be present)
- soreness in, or behind, the eye
- contraction of the eyelids
- a constant stream of tears from one eye
- condensed or distorted vision, or even loss of vision
- blood noticeable in the eye or blood loss surrounding the eye
Major eye conditions
How you can assist
- Relax and encourage the casualty
- Advise the casualty not to move their eye.
- Assist the casualty to rest in the place of greatest ease with the wounded eye closed.
- If the eye grievance is caused by a chemical splatter, cleanse the eye with abundant amounts of water.
- Inform the casualty to evade all movement of the head to avoid additional eye damage.
- Comfort the casualty.
- Guard the wounded eye
- Cover the wounded eye with a hygienic eye pad. If there is a big unknown object wedged in the eye, DO NOT try to get rid of it, but provide padding around the eye socket to avoid extra force.
- Inform the casualty to keep the undamaged eye closed if possible to diminish the hazard of movement of the wounded eye.
- Organize medical assistance
Phone for an ambulance.
- Carry on giving comfort and support to the casualty.
- While waiting for the medics to turn up, check the casualty for any additional injuries, predominantly if a blow or fall was implicated.
- Verify the level of consciousness and make sure that the airway is not blocked.
- Keep in mind that a wound around the eye might be connected with a head injury.
Minor eye conditions
How you can assist
- Eliminating a foreign object
- Inform the casualty not to stroke the eye.
- Ensure the foreign object is noticeable on the white section of the eye.
- Ask the casualty to blink a number of times to try to eliminate the foreign object by cleaning it out with tears.