First aid for the eye – What every parent should know

Eye injuries are one of the leading causes of vision loss in children. If your child gets an eye injury, provide first aid, and then seek medical help immediately. Even a seemingly light blow can cause a serious eye injury. If a black eye, pain or visual disturbance occurs after a blow, contact your Eye M.d. or emergency room immediately. For first aid, follow these steps:

If your child is hit in the eye:

Place an ice pack or cold cloth over his or her eye right away. Hold it on the eye for about 15 minutes. This helps lessen the pain and reduce swelling.

If your child’s eye continues to hurt, turns black, or if your child has blurred vision, double vision, floaters or redness, see an Eye M.D. or go to a hospital emergency room right away.

If your child gets a speck in the eye, such as dirt or dust, DO NOT RUB the eye!

Gently lift the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid. This allows the eyelashes to brush the speck off the inside of the upper eyelid.

Have your child blink a few times to let the eye move the speck out.

If you can’t get the speck out of your child’s eye, have your child keep the eye closed, and see your family doctor, Eye M.D. or go to a hospital emergency room right away.

If your child gets chemicals splashed in the eye:

Rinse the eye with water right away. Have your child hold his or her head under a faucet or use a clean container to pour water into the eye. DO NOT USE an eye cup. Rinsing the eye quickly is key, and you don’t want to waste time looking for an eye cup. Use your fingers to hold the eye open as wide a possible. Have your child roll the eyeball as much as possible while washing. Putting your child’s entire face into the sink and blinking rapidly is best. Splashing water into the eye is ineffective because of the involuntary blink reflex. Wash the eye for at least 15 minutes.

If the eye continues to hurt, go to a hospital emergency room or Eye M.D. right away. DO NOT BANDAGE the eye!

Remember, it’s important to see an Eye M.D. if your child’s eyes get hurt. Although the injury may not look or feel serious, it could cause serious damage to the eyes. On the way to the doctor, don’t press on the injured eye, and don’t force drops into it.

One of the best ways to ensure your child keeps his or her good vision throughout life is to set good health examples yourself.

Always wear protective eye wear when playing sports, working in the yard, using harsh chemicals or working on the car.

Do not use fireworks yourself or allow children to use them. Take your family to a professional fireworks show.

Have eye exams (and other health exams) at recommended intervals. It shows to your child that his or her body is worth taking care of and that preventive medicine is the best medicine.

Check toy labels for age recommendations and select only those gifts that are appropriate for your child’s age and maturity level.

Look out for toys and games with sharp or protruding parts or projectiles.

Make sure children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games.

Thanks,

Health, August-2012