First Aid Treatment for Eye Injuries in the Workplace

Eye accidents can happen to anyone at any place and at any given time, even while you’re working. Harmful substances can be splashed onto your eyes, or sawdust may get in your eyelid. If you work in an office, too much time spent on the computer can even be harmful to your eyes. Knowing how to handle these problems can help you safeguard your visual health.

Vienna Eyecare Center, your provider of high-qualitycontact lenses and other eye care services, shares some first aid tips for eye emergencies as we observe Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March.

For Chemical Burns

If a chemical solution splashes into your eye, don’t rub or bandage the affected eye. Instead, you should immediately wash your eyes with water. Hold the affected eye under a running faucet, so the water can flush out the chemicals. Continue doing this for at least 15 minutes, keeping your eyes open as much as possible. Afterward, have your eyes checked by an expert.

For Foreign Bodies

Should a speck or piece of debris get trapped in your eye, which is common among carpenters and construction workers, do not rub the affected eye. Refrain from removing the object yourself by using tweezers or any other item. Blink repeatedly; this will produce tears that can flush out the foreign body. If this doesn’t work, have an eye exam as soon as possible.

For Blunt Trauma

For blunt trauma to the eye–a hazard when playing contact sports–lightly apply a cold compress on the affected area. Avoid using too much pressure to avoid worsening the problem. Should you notice any discoloration, changes to your vision, blood inside the eye or uneven eye size, seek medical attention immediately.

For Cuts and Punctures

Never attempt to remove an object lodged in your eye. You should also avoid getting the affected eye wet. Cover it with a sturdy paper cup or polycarbonate goggles. If possible, wearing your eyeglasses to protect your eyes from further injuries is a good idea while you’re on your way to your eye clinic.

Most importantly, after performing first aid treatment, have an eye care specialist take a look at your injured eyes. Even though your eyes may seem fine on the surface, there might be internal problems that only an expert with the right tools can identify. Your optometrist will know the best way to manage such eye accidents and prevent them from worsening.

For more tips on handling emergency eye injuries, call us at (703) 938-7633 or complete our form. We serve different VA communities, including Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner.