Eye injuries can cause anything from a mild irritation for a few hours to total permanent blindness, depending on the severity of the injury and how you react when the injury occurs. To help your eyes heal as quickly as possible, it’s paramount that you know how to respond to these emergencies. Your eye doctor at Comprehensive Eye Care in Washington, MO, has shared some tips on what to do in a few of the more common situations.

Tips for Handling Eye Injuries

One of the most common types of injuries is getting something in your eye, whether it’s dirt or a chemical like hairspray or sunscreen. In this case, flush the affected eye out with clean, lukewarm water for at least ten minutes. Slant your head, so the injured eye is lower than the unaffected one, then use a shower head or glass to pour water across the eye from the side of your nose. If you have contact lenses, remove them prior to flushing. If you have a chemical in your eye or can’t get the particles out, see a doctor.

If you get something embedded in your eye, never try to remove it yourself. You could cause serious damage that can have permanent adverse effects. A doctor should be the one to remove it, as they know how to do so in the safest way possible.

You should also go directly to a doctor if you see blood in your eye after an injury, deep cuts around the eye, or persistent pain. If you notice any changes in your vision, such as flashing lights, blind spots, or double vision, then you should also see a doctor. It may be tempting to rub your eye if you’re in pain, but try not to, as this can cause further injury as well.

Even if you don’t experience any eye injuries, proper care is very important for healthy eyes and great vision. The team at Comprehensive Eye Care provide individualized care and flexible hours so you can get your eye exams and treatments done at your convenience. Contact them at (636) 390-3999 to schedule your appointment.