Eye injuries
What to do
Minor irritation or injury to the front of the eye usually doesn't require medical treatment and should clear up within24 hours.
If you experience discomfort, painkillerssuch as paracetamol or Painkillers, ibuprofen may help.
Don't touch or rub your eye, apply pressure to it or wear contact lenses until it's fully healed to prevent further damage.
See your GP or optician if you have any concerns about your injury or if it's not better within24 hours.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about treating and preventing common types of eye injuries, and find out when you should seek immediate medical advice.
What to do
Minor irritation or injury to the front of the eye usually doesn't require medical treatment and should clear up within24 hours. If you experience discomfort, painkillerssuch as paracetamol or Paink
Flushing your eye
If you have loose particles in your eye or your eye has been exposed to chemicals, flush it out with an eyewash or plenty of clean water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, reme
Whento seek immediate medical advice
You should go immediately to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E)department if you have: persistent or severe eye pain foreign bodies that can't be washed out decreased or double vision
Seeing a doctor
If you have a serious eye injury, you'll usually be seen by an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist or a specialist eye nurse. You'll be asked how the injury happened, your vision and eye movemen
Preventing eye injuries
Many eye injuries are preventable if youtake appropriate safety precautionsduring leisure activities or workfor example, wearing eye protection when hammeringmetal and using power tools. You should a
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products