ConditionEyes & vision
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries range from a scratch on the surface of the eye to chemical burns, blunt trauma and penetrating wounds. For a chemical splash, rinse with clean water immediately for at least 15 minutes, then get emergency care. For a cut or object stuck in the eye, do not rub, press or remove it: shield the eye and go to the ER. Most minor injuries heal in days, but serious ones can cause permanent vision loss if treatment is delayed.
Also called: Ocular trauma, eye trauma, injury to the eye
At a glance
- Common types
- Corneal scratches, foreign bodies, chemical burns, blunt trauma, cuts and penetrating injuries.
- Chemical splash
- Flush with water for at least 15 minutes, then ER.
- Penetrating injury
- Shield the eye, do not remove objects, do not press, go to ER.
- Danger signs
- Vision loss, severe pain, blood in the eye, misshapen pupil, double vision, eye cannot move.
- Treatment
- Antibiotic drops, removal of foreign bodies, pressure control, surgery for serious injuries.
- Prevention
- Protective eyewear prevents most eye injuries.
When to get help
Call 911 or go to the ER
- A chemical in the eye, especially alkali (oven cleaner, drain cleaner, lime, cement): flush with water for at least 15 minutes first, then call 911 or go to the ER
- An object stuck in the eye, a cut to the eyeball or eyelid edge, or anything that hit the eye at high speed (hammering metal, grinding, fireworks)
- Sudden vision loss, a misshapen or irregular pupil, or blood in the colored part of the eye
- Double vision, the eye cannot move normally, or numbness of the cheek after a blow (possible orbital fracture)
- New flashes, floaters or a curtain over vision after an injury
See a doctor within a day or two
- Eye pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision after a scratch or a speck you cannot rinse out
- A painful red eye after contact lens wear
- A black eye with headache, vomiting or blurred vision
Book a routine appointment
- A bright red patch on the white of the eye after a minor bump or coughing, with no pain or vision change
Usually safe to manage at home
- Mild irritation from dust that clears completely after rinsing
- A mild black eye with normal vision and eye movement
First aid for eye injuries
Chemical splash
- Flush immediately with clean, lukewarm tap water or saline for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelids open. Use a shower, eyewash station or a gentle stream from a tap.
- Remove contact lenses if they do not come out with flushing.
- Do not rub the eye or try to neutralize the chemical.
- Go to the ER or call 911, and take the product label if possible.
Alkali burns are the most damaging because they penetrate deeply.
Small foreign body (dust, sand, eyelash)
- Blink several times and let tears wash it out.
- Rinse with clean water or saline.
- Lift the upper lid over the lower lid to sweep the underside.
- Do not rub or use tweezers or cotton swabs on the eye.
- If it stays, or pain and blurring continue after removal, see a doctor.
Object stuck in the eye or a cut
- Do not remove the object, press on the eye or rinse it.
- Shield the eye with a paper cup or rigid shield taped over it, without pressing.
- Avoid eating or drinking in case surgery is needed.
- Go to the ER immediately.
Blow to the eye (black eye)
- Apply a cold compress gently for 15 minutes, without pressing on the eyeball.
- Take acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen in the first day if bleeding inside the eye is possible.
- Seek care for any vision change, blood in the eye, double vision or severe pain.
Types of eye injuries
| Injury | Typical cause | Key signs |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal abrasion | Fingernail, branch, contact lens | Sharp pain, watering, light sensitivity, feeling of grit |
| Foreign body | Dust, metal from grinding | Gritty pain; metal can leave a rust ring |
| Chemical burn | Cleaning products, cement, battery acid | Burning pain, redness, white or cloudy eye in severe cases |
| Blunt trauma | Ball, fist, airbag | Black eye, blood in front chamber (hyphema), traumatic iritis |
| Orbital fracture | Fist, ball, fall | Double vision, sunken eye, cheek numbness |
| Penetrating injury | Metal fragments, glass, fireworks | Pain, vision loss, irregular pupil, leaking fluid |
| Retinal detachment | Blunt trauma | Flashes, floaters, curtain over vision |
| Subconjunctival hemorrhage | Minor bump, coughing, straining | Bright red patch on the white of the eye, painless |
| UV burn (welder's flash, snow blindness) | Welding, sun on snow | Severe pain and watering hours after exposure |
How eye injuries are assessed
An emergency doctor or ophthalmologist will:
- check vision in each eye
- examine the eyelids, eye surface, pupils and eye movements
- apply fluorescein dye, which glows under blue light to show scratches
- use a slit lamp microscope and examine the back of the eye
- measure eye pressure (not if a ruptured globe is suspected)
- arrange a CT scan for suspected fractures, metal fragments or penetrating injury
Treatment
- Corneal abrasions: antibiotic drops or ointment, pain relief, and follow-up; most heal in 1 to 3 days. Patching is not usually recommended.
- Foreign bodies: removal under the slit lamp with a fine instrument after numbing drops.
- Chemical burns: continued irrigation until the eye's pH is normal, then drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, and specialist follow-up.
- Hyphema: rest with the head raised, eye shield, drops, and monitoring of eye pressure.
- Orbital fractures: often observed; surgery for persistent double vision or a sunken eye.
- Penetrating injuries: emergency surgery to repair the eye, and antibiotics.
- Tetanus booster if needed.
Never use numbing eye drops at home: they slow healing and can mask worsening injury.
Prevention
- Wear safety glasses or goggles for power tools, grinding, hammering, yard work and chemicals.
- Use sports eye protection for racquet sports, basketball and paintball.
- Keep household chemicals out of reach of children and read labels.
- Leave fireworks to professionals.
- Wear UV-blocking goggles for skiing and welding helmets for welding.
- Handle contact lenses hygienically and do not sleep in them unless approved.
Protective eyewear could prevent most eye injuries.
Frequently asked questions
When should I go to the ER for an eye injury?
Go to the ER for any chemical splash after flushing, objects stuck in the eye, cuts, high-speed injuries, sudden vision loss, blood in the eye, double vision, an irregular pupil, or new flashes and floaters after a blow.
How do you treat a scratched eye?
Rinse the eye with clean water, avoid rubbing, and remove contact lenses. See a doctor, who will use dye to check the scratch and usually prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment. Most corneal scratches heal within 1 to 3 days.
What should I do if I get chemicals in my eye?
Flush the eye immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open, then go to the ER. Do not wait for symptoms. Alkali chemicals such as drain cleaner and cement are especially dangerous.
How long does an eye injury take to heal?
Minor scratches usually heal in 1 to 3 days, and black eyes in 1 to 2 weeks. Chemical burns, hyphema and penetrating injuries can take weeks to months and may leave lasting damage. Follow-up with an eye doctor is important.
Can you go blind from an eye injury?
Yes. Severe chemical burns, penetrating injuries, retinal detachment and hyphema can cause permanent vision loss, especially without prompt treatment. Quick first aid and urgent assessment greatly improve the chances of saving vision.
Sources
This guide was written from current patient and clinical guidance, including:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye injuries and first aid
- Prevent Blindness: Eye injury first aid
- MedlinePlus: Eye injuries
- CDC/NIOSH: Eye safety
- NHS: Eye injuries