| Proper first aid for eye injuries is critical. Eye injuries can occur when handling metal, wood or chemicals, using jumper cables, servicing equipment, welding or working outdoors.
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| • | Always wear the proper eye protection for the task performed.
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| • | Should an eye injury occur, seek proper first aid and medical attention.
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| • | Clean, fresh water or an eyewash station for flushing the eyes should be available at all work sites.
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| For foreign objects in the eye: |
| • | Try to locate the object in the eye. Examine the eye by gently pulling the lower lid downward and instructing the person to look upward. Reverse the procedure for the upper lid. Hold the upper lid and examine the eye while the person looks downward.
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| • | If you find that the foreign object is embedded in the eyeball, cover the person’s eye with a sterile pad or a clean cloth. Don't try to remove the object. Seek emergency medical assistance.
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| • | If the object is large and makes closing the eye difficult, cover the eye and the object with a paper cup. Don't remove the object. Seek emergency medical assistance.
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| • | If the object is floating in the tear film or on the surface of the eye, you may be able to flush it out or remove it manually. While holding the upper or lower lid open, use a moistened cotton swab or the corner of a clean cloth to remove the object by lightly touching it. If you can't remove the object easily, cover both eyes with a soft cloth and seek emergency medical assistance
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| • | If you do remove the object, flush the eye with lukewarm water at an eyewash station or with a saline solution.
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| • | If pain, vision problems or redness persists, seek emergency medical assistance.
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| For specks in the eye: |
| • | Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid. Let tears wash out the speck or particle. If the speck or particle doesn't wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly and see a physician.
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| For liquid chemicals or chemical spray in the eye: |
| • | Eye damage from chemical burns can be very serious. In all cases of eye contact with chemicals, flood the eye with clean water immediately, continuously and gently for at least 15 minutes.
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| • | Hold the head over an eyewash station, under a faucet or pour water into the eye using a clean container. Keep the eye open as widely as possible during the flooding.
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| • | Do not use an eye cup or bandage the eye. Do not apply ointments, oils or salves. See a physician and explain the cause of the injury. Also, take the label or container to the physician with you.
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| • | Spray cans are an increasing source of chemical eye injury, compounded by the force of contact. Whether containing caustics or irritants, they must be carefully used and kept away from children.
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| Blows to the eye: |
| • | Apply a cold compress immediately for 15 minutes and again each hour as needed to reduce pain and swelling.
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| • | If there is discoloration or blackening of the eye, it could mean internal damage has occurred. See a physician.
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| Cuts and punctures of the eye or eyelid |
| • | Bandage the eye lightly, and see a physician at once. Do not wash out the eye with water or try to remove an object stuck in the eye.
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| | --Source, NIOSH
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| | First Aid Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first-aid training. If you are in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical assistance immediately. |
