Eye Injuries

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

a strong chemical, such as oven cleaner or bleach, is in your eye - keep rinsing your eye with water while waiting for medical help, and take the container with you as the information on it may help with treatment
a sharp object has pierced your eye
something has hit your eye at high speed - for example, while using power tools or mowing the lawn
there are any changes to your sight after an eye injury
you have severe pain in your eye
you have a headache or sensitivity to light
you're feeling sick or being sick after an eye injury
you cannot move your eye or keep it open
blood or pus is coming from your eye

Find your nearest A&E

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

How to treat an eye injury at home

Do

wash your eye with clean water if there's something in it
follow the advice on the packaging if any cosmetics or household products get in your eyes
take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease any pain or discomfort

Don't

do not try to remove any object that's pierced your eye
do not touch or rub your eye until it's better
do not wear make-up around your eye until it's better
do not wear contact lenses until your eye is better

How to wash your eye

You should:

use clean water (not hot) - this can be from a tap or shower, or bottled water if you're not at home
hold your eye open
run lots of water over your eyeball for at least 20 minutes

Make sure the flow of water is not too strong.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you've injured your eye and it is not getting better after 24 hours
you're worried about an eye injury - particularly if it's a child that's injured
it's very painful

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Always call 111 if you need help for a child under 5 years old.

You could also visit an optician for advice.

Other eye injuries

There is separate information about:

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