First Aid Tips for Children’s Eye Injuries

While eye care services like contact lens fitting and orthokeratology are perhaps the most common reasons patients visit their eye care clinic, it’s not unusual to consult with eye doctors for other eye conditions. This includes accidents resulting in injuries and irritation of the eyes.

Blindness can be caused by many reasons, but eye injuries are perhaps one of the most preventable. When children are experiencing any problems with their eyes, it’s best to take them to see an eye doctor right away. In the meantime, you can also apply some limited first aid to mitigate any problems. Here are a few tips on how to take care of eye injuries.

Mild and Minor Irritation

Any foreign object that enters the eye can cause a reaction. This is why ortho-k lenses are carefully crafted to make sure they do not irritate the eye and its many parts. However, children can be playful, and, sometimes, sand, dirt or other small debris gets into their eyes. When this happens, avoid rubbing, pressing, or touching the affected eye. Avoid attempting to remove the foreign body with your hands or any other tool as this may worsen the injury. Most irritants can be flushed with clean running water, but set an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible to be sure there are no lasting effects.

Foreign Objects Embedded in the Eyes

Getting small pieces of glass or metal in your eyes is a serious injury that requires urgent emergency medical services. When these accidents occur, keep yourself and your child calm. Tape a cup over the affected eye to take away some pressure as medical personnel are arriving. The same is true for chemical exposure accidents. Flush as much of the substance with running water and avoid touching the eyes while you wait for help.

Black Eyes

Eye doctors can also help you take care of blunt force injuries to your kids’ eyes. In case bruising occurs, apply a cold compress for at least 24 to 48 hours. Swap out the cold compress with a warm compress intermittently during this period. Consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we are your leading provider of eye care and vision correction treatments. Give us a call at (714) 486-3315, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation appointment today. We serve customers in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach as well as other nearby areas.