Eye Injuries

For something in the eye, wash out with clean water or saline. Never remove an embedded object — cover both eyes and call 000. Chemical splashes need 20 minutes of running water and an ambulance.

Foreign body (grit, eyelash)

1. Don't rub the eye.
2. Tilt the head so the affected eye is down.
3. Flush with clean water, saline or eye-wash solution.
4. If it does not come out, cover the eye with a clean pad and seek medical aid.

Embedded object

1. Do not try to remove it.
2. Cover the eye loosely with a paper cup or pad — no pressure.
3. Cover the other eye too to stop both eyes moving.
4. Call 000.

Chemical splash

1. Immediately flush the eye with cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Tilt the head so the chemical runs away from the unaffected eye.
2. Hold the eyelids open.
3. Call 000.
4. If you know the chemical, take the container with you to hospital.

Blow to the eye

Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling. Seek medical aid if there is any vision change, severe pain, blood inside the eye, or the eye looks abnormal.