Approximately 2,000 workers in the United States sustain job-related eye injuries every day. The WebMD also reports that every year, 50,000 Americans lose part or all of their vision permanently because of eye injury. Statistics show that around 4 percent of eye injuries happen at home, while 15 percent happen in the workplace.

Acting fast is critical to ensuring you get a good outcome from an eye emergency. The eye is sensitive, so it can easily get damaged. It can cause temporary or permanent blindness if you leave an injury untreated. Read on to learn what to do if you get any of these eye emergencies.

Debris in Your Eye

Do not apply pressure or rub your eye if it gets any debris stuck inside it. Avoid touching the eye at all costs. You can try to remove the debris with tears or an eye wash. If the debris remains, keep the affected eye closed, use a cloth patch or gauge to bandage it loosely, and seek immediate medical help.

A Blow or Blunt Trauma in Your Eye

If you get a blow to your eye, avoid putting pressure on the affected eye. Use a light cold compress and rest it gently on your injured eye. Seek immediate medical help if you have a black eye, reduced vision, or pain. Such symptoms could be signs of internal damage to your eye.

Punctures and Cuts to Your Eye or Eyelid

If you get a puncture or a cut, use a rigid shield to cover the eye. Seek medical care as quickly as you can. Avoid applying pressure on the eye or trying to remove anything stuck in it. Do not try to wash out the affected eye using water or any liquid.

Chemical Burns

Handling industrial or garden chemicals poses the risk of a chemical burn. Aerosol fumes can also cause burns. 

A chemical injury caused by getting acid in your eye can result in a good prognosis if you seek immediate medical care. But when alkaline products such as sodium hydroxide or lime get into your eye, it can cause permanent damage.

If a chemical gets in your eye, remove any products on your hands using soap and water. Turn your head and face your injured eye down to one side. Use your clean hands to hold your eyelid open, then use cool tap water to flush out the chemical for 15 minutes.

If you wear contacts and the lenses remain in your eye after the flushing, use clean hands to remove them. Rush to an emergency room as quickly as possible. Continue using clean water to flush your affected eye if you are waiting for a traveling medical center or an ambulance.

What Not to Do in an Eye Emergency

An eye injury can result in severe complications. It is vital to avoid treating yourself. Avoid applying pressure or rubbing your eye. If any foreign object gets stuck in your eye, do not try to remove it. Avoid using tools such as tweezers in your eye. You can only use a cotton swab on your eyelid.

Do not try to put ointments or medications in your eye. If you suffer from any eye injury while wearing contact lenses, do not try taking them out. Doing so can worsen your injury. The best thing to do if you have an eye emergency is to see a doctor immediately.

For more about eye emergencies, visit Nappanee Family Eyecare at our office in Nappanee, Indiana. Call (574) 319-9390 to book an appointment today.