If you hit your eye, protect it immediately and seek medical attention if necessary; for less severe injuries, manage pain and swelling with a cold compress.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of what to do:
Immediate Actions After Hitting Your Eye
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Assess the Severity: Determine the extent of the injury. Are you experiencing severe pain, vision changes, double vision, blood in the eye, or an inability to open your eye? These are signs of a serious injury requiring immediate medical attention.
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Protect Your Eye: The primary goal is to prevent further damage.
- Shield the Eye: Tape a modified paper cup or other rigid, protective object gently over the injured eye. This prevents accidental bumping or pressure. Avoid applying direct pressure to the eyeball.
- Do NOT rub the eye: Rubbing can worsen the injury.
Seeking Medical Attention
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When to See a Doctor Immediately: Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain
- Vision loss or changes
- Double vision
- Blood in the eye (hyphema)
- Protrusion of the eye
- Inability to move the eye
- Persistent headache
- Nausea or vomiting after the injury
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Where to Go: Depending on the severity, consider:
- Emergency Room (ER): For severe symptoms.
- Urgent Care: For less severe symptoms that still require prompt attention.
- Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor): For follow-up care and specialized evaluation.
Managing Minor Eye Injuries at Home
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Cold Compress: For mild pain and swelling:
- Apply a cold compress gently to the area around your eye for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Use a clean cloth dampened with cold water or a commercial cold pack.
- Avoid using food items as cold compresses, as they can introduce bacteria. Use ice packs instead.
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Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. Follow the package instructions carefully.
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Observation: Monitor your eye closely for any changes in symptoms. If your condition worsens, seek medical advice.
What NOT to Do
- Do NOT rub your eye.
- Do NOT apply direct pressure to the eyeball.
- Do NOT use food items as cold compresses.
- Do NOT try to remove any embedded objects yourself. Seek professional medical help.
- Do NOT wear contact lenses until your eye has been evaluated by a doctor.
By taking immediate action to protect your eye and seeking appropriate medical care when necessary, you can minimize the potential for long-term complications from an eye injury.
