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Eye Injuries
Eye Injuries range from minor, such
as an irritation, to very severe. Severe eye Injuries are
frequently caused by objects in the eye, burns and blunt injuries.
Any of these conditions can lead to a permanent loss of vision.
Signs and Symptoms
Pain, redness, stinging, burning, itching
Bleeding/bruising/black eye
Something stuck in the eye
Sensitivity to light
Decreased or double vision
Anxious, pale, clammy, weakness/fainting, nausea/vomiting
Injury
First Aid
Minor Irritated Eye
Rinse the affected eye with a saline
solution.
Tap water may be used if no saline solution is available.
Use a drinking fountain, faucet or garden hose running slowly.
If the victim continues to have pain or feel like something
is still in his or her eye, or lf the object cannot be removed,
cover the eye lightly with a gauze pad or a clean cloth and
seek medical attention.
Object Stuck in Eye
Protect the eye from further injury:
Tape the bottom half of a foam or paper cup over the: victims
eye to help keep both the eye and the object from moving.
Lightly cover the uninjured eye with gauze or a clean cloth.
As the eyes move together. Covering both helps keep the injured
eye and the object from moving and causing further Injury.
With both eyes covered, the first aid provider becomes the
eyes of the victim. Protect the victim from further harm.
Keep them quiet, safe and reassure them with a calm, compassionate
and confident tone of voice.
Seek immediate medical care.
DO NOT
try to remove the object.
DO NOT allow the victim
to rub or to apply pressure to the injured eye. Pressure can
damage the delicate fibers of the optic nerve, which connects
the eye with the brain.
Chemical Burn
Immediately flood the eye with a large amount of water. Use
a drinking fountain, faucet or garden hose.
After you have finished washing the eye, seek immediate medical
care.
Do Not
place a cup over the eye
Do Not bandage the eye.
When Caring for Children
Do not allow child to rub their eyes
Al1 children with eye injuries should be evaluated, especially
if they complain of any visual problems, scratching sensation,
or pain.
When Caring for Older Adults
The risk of eye injury declines with
age and is most often due to a fall. If the victim is responsive,
in addition to caring for the eye injury, the first aid provider
should check the victim for hidden injuries that may have
occurred because of the fall (physical assessment).
Prevention
Trades people (machinists, welders, metalworkers, etc ) have
3-to-4 times more occupational eye Injuries than the overall
population Males aged 17-24 are at the greatest risk. The
consistent use of eye protection during hazardous work activities
- at home and work -could prevent many eye Injuries.
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