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Eye Injuries |
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To remove a foreign object in the eye:
- Wash your hands.
- Twist a piece of tissue, moisten the tip with tap water, not saliva, and gently try to touch the speck with the tip. As you carefully pass the tissue over the speck, it should cling to the tip.
- If the foreign object is under the upper lid, look down and pull the upper lid away from the eyeball by gently grabbing the eyelashes. Try to touch the debris with the tip of a moistened tissue until it is caught on the tissue.
- Do not rub the eye. And, never use tweezers or anything sharp to remove a foreign object. Doing so can scratch the cornea.
- Gently wash the eye with cool water.
- Cover the eye with a patch and leave it on for at least 24 hours. This helps to relieve the pain.
To treat a black eye from a minor injury:
- Immediately put a cold compress over the injured area. This helps to slow the bleeding under the skin and lessens swelling and discoloration.
- Take aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium for the pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen will help the pain, but not the inflammation.
(Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication that has salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless a doctor tells you to.)
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Later, put a warm compress over the injured area.
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Seek medical attention if these measures do not help.
To ease the discomfort of dry eyes, try an over-the-counter artificial tear product such as Ocu- Lube, Refresh or Liquifilm. Check the label. If there are no preservatives, keep the solution refrigerated. Always wash your hands before putting drops in the eyes.
To ease the discomfort of an insect bite that has not caused a severe allergic reaction:
- Gently wash the eye(s) with warm water.
- Ask your doctor whether or not you should take an antihistamine and have him or her recommend one.
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