Eye injuries happen all of the time. These can occur in the workplace, at your home, or really anywhere you are. The most common types of eye injuries are chemical burns and abrasions of the eyelids or cornea. These can be extremely dangerous if not taken care of properly and could lead to vision loss. It is important to know how to care for an eye injury while you are waiting to get to an eye care professional. At Boston Vision, we want to make sure that our patients are prepared for any injuries and know how to care for them.
What to Do for a Chemical Injury
Chemical burns are very common eye injuries. These can be alkaline materials, solvents, acids, or detergents that get into the eyes. If this occurs, the eyes should be flushed well with water. If your eyes are exposed to any of these agents, find a sterile solution or go to a sink or shower and start to flush out your eyes with cold water. Make sure to get under the upper eyelid and lower eyelid. Medical attention may still be needed after you’ve flushed out the eye.
What to Do for an Abrasion
Abrasions or scratches on the eyelids or cornea can be very painful. If the abrasion is dirty it is important to gently cleanse it with cold, clean water. Then tape a Styrofoam or paper cup over the injured eye as a form of eye protection until it can be properly cared for.
In the case of any more severe injury to the eyes, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Call Boston Vision
If you have sustained an injury to the eye or any form of eye trauma, contact Boston Vision to get treatment started. To schedule your appointment, book online with us or email us at help@bostonvision.com to get started.