Address an
Eye Injury
Know what to do — and what not to do — in an eye emergency.
For severe eye injuries or sudden vision loss, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. For urgent eye care, call us at (817) 453-4682.
Eye Safety
Common Eye Injuries & How to Respond
Eye injuries can happen quickly. Knowing the right first aid steps — and which actions to avoid — can make the difference between full recovery and permanent damage.
Foreign Object in the Eye
What to Do
Blink repeatedly to encourage natural tearing
Rinse gently with clean water or saline solution
Seek professional eye care if the object does not flush out
What NOT to Do
Do NOT rub the eye
Do NOT try to remove an object embedded in the eye
Do NOT use tweezers or other tools
Chemical Splash
What to Do
Immediately flush the eye with large amounts of clean water for 15–20 minutes
Remove contact lenses before or during flushing if possible
Call Poison Control or seek emergency care immediately
What NOT to Do
Do NOT rub the eye
Do NOT use eye drops unless directed by a doctor
Do NOT wait to see if symptoms improve on their own
Blow to the Eye (Blunt Trauma)
What to Do
Apply a cold compress gently to reduce swelling
Seek medical attention if you experience pain, vision changes, or bruising
Rest and avoid activities that strain the eye
What NOT to Do
Do NOT apply pressure to the eye
Do NOT take blood-thinning medications like aspirin without medical advice
Do NOT ignore symptoms — internal damage may not be immediately visible
Cut or Puncture of the Eye
What to Do
Cover the eye loosely with a clean cloth or eye shield — do not apply pressure
Seek emergency medical care immediately
Keep the person calm and still
What NOT to Do
Do NOT rinse the eye with water
Do NOT remove any object stuck in the eye
Do NOT rub or press on the eye
Scratched Eye (Corneal Abrasion)
What to Do
Rinse the eye gently with clean water or saline
Blink several times
See an eye doctor as soon as possible — even small scratches can become infected
What NOT to Do
Do NOT rub the eye
Do NOT wear contact lenses until fully healed
Do NOT patch the eye — this can promote bacterial growth
When in doubt, always seek professional care.
Call our office at (817) 453-4682 for urgent eye concerns — we are available Monday–Friday, 8:30–1:00 & 2:00–5:30.