Foreign bodies

Eye may be exposed to foreign bodies’ injuries, whether at home or at the workplace. Among these objects are:

• Metallic fragments
• Sawdust.
• Dust.
• Stone fragments
• Projectiles.

What to do in case of a foreign body eye injury?

• Avoid rubbing the eye so as not to push the foreign body to a deeper layer, and cause more damage to the eye.
• Go immediately to the nearest eye care emergency.

To protect the eye from foreign body injuries

Wear protective eyeglasses if there is a breakaway-fragment hazard (Sand or sawdust).

Chemicals

Many chemical solutions are used daily at home and in the workplace, the most dangerous of which are alkali (basic) solution. Widely used chemicals include:

• Toilet and bathroom cleaners.
• Wet plaster and cement.
• Insecticides.
• Paint.

What should you do in case of chemical exposure?

• Flush the eye immediately with clean water while the eyelids are widely open. Because any delay in diluting the chemical, solution in the eye could result in serious damage.
• If water is not available, use any other available liquid such as cold milk or buttermilk.
• Go immediately to the nearest eye care emergency.

To protect the eye from chemical solution exposure

• Wear protective eyeglasses when working with chemicals.

• Keep Chemicals out of the reach of children.

Penetrating injuries

Objects that might cause penetrating eye injuries:

• Tree thorns.
• Toys with sharp edges.
• Sharp kitchen tools ,
• Sewing needles, pencils.

Superficial eye injuries

The flowing objects may cause superficial injuries to the eye:

• Welding glare.
• Fingers or papers.
• Unsharpened and edgeless objects.
• Misuse of contact lenses

What should you do in case of superficial or penetrating eye injury?

• Never rub the eye.
• Place protective shield to avoid pressure on the eye or eyelid.
• Seek medical emergency immediately.
• Seek nearest medical emergency immediately.