Eye Emergency First Aid
Some eye emergencies are more common than others. If you or someone you know is experiencing one of these common eye emergencies, you can use some first aid strategies before seeking medical attention.
Foreign Object in Your Eye
If there is something embedded in your eye, do not rub your eye and do not attempt to remove the object on your own. Attempting to remove the object or rubbing your eye could cause further damage. Instead, contact Okotoks Eyecare or proceed to your nearest emergency room.
If there is something trapped between your eye and your eyelid, do not rub your eye, as this may cause further damage. You may be able to remove the object on your own by flushing your eye with cool, clear water.
Do not attempt to remove the object using your fingertips or a pair of tweezers. Even if you are able to flush the object out of your eye, you should still seek immediate medical attention.
Corneal Abrasion
The cornea is the transparent layer that covers your iris and pupil. This delicate tissue is extremely sensitive, and even a small scratch or a light impact can cause significant damage and leave your eye vulnerable to infection.
Corneal abrasions are extremely painful. If you suspect you may have sustained a corneal abrasion, you should not rub your eye. Rubbing your eye may move debris around, causing further damage. Contact Okotoks Eyecare immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Chemical Contact
Chemicals can cause significant and even permanent damage to your eyes and compromise your vision. If you get chemicals in your eye, you should flush your eye immediately using cool, clean water. Flush your eyes continuously for at least 15 minutes.
Even if your eye begins to feel better before you have finished the full 15 minutes, you should continue to rinse your eyes. Rinsing them dilates and removes the chemicals from your eyes and surrounding areas.
Once you have finished flushing your eye with water, you should contact Okotoks Eyecare at (403) 938-4300 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.