If you get a bump or blow to the eye, put a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. Crushed ice in a plastic bag can be placed gently on the injured eye for 15 minutes to reduce the pain and swelling. Get medical care to check for damage that may have occurred inside the eye.
- Don't use steaks or other food items. These can get bacteria into the eye.
- DO NOT apply any pressure.
- If a black eye, pain, or visual disturbance occurs even after a light blow, immediately contact your ophthalmologist or emergency room. Even a light blow can cause a significant eye injury like a retinal detachment.
- In cases of severe pain or reduced vision, get immediate medical care.
For all other eye injuries
Injuries other than grit in the eye or small scratches to the eye should be considered potentially serious.
- Do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye.
- Do not try to remove any objects stuck in the eye.
- Do not apply ointment or medicine to the eye.
- Over-the-counter eye drops can be more painful or make the injury worse.
- Prescription medicines should only be used for exactly the condition they were prescribed for, not for emergency treatment.
- See a doctor as soon as possible.