Eye Injury

The eye can be injured by a chemical, foreign object or direct blow. There will usually be pain and redness associated with an eye injury. There may also be bleeding, tearing, sensitivity to light, swelling and/or discolouration. Eye injuries may be due to:

  • Trauma: being struck by an object or falling and banging the eye, cuts and bruises

  • Burns to the eye

  • Smoke in the eyes

  • Major foreign bodies: splinter, embedded object etc.

  • Welding injuries

Signs and symptoms

  • Pain

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Bruising

  • Tearing

  • Cuts and bleeding

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Discolouration

  • Blurred vision

  • Burns around eye area

  • Embedded or floating foreign objects

First aid

Any first aid provided must be extremely gentle and careful. Ice packs may reduce pain and swelling. Gentle washing or flushing may remove foreign objects; however embedded objects should only be removed by a medical professional. Padding should be used to control any bleeding. An ambulance should be called for serious injuries.

Meirav Dulberg