Generally speaking, first aid for all eye injuries (other than the removal of small foreign bodies) should be followed up by expert examination of the eyes. The surface of the eye is very delicate, easily damaged.
Foreign Body in the Eye
Small items such as dust and grit can be washed from the eye with gently running water. The eye should then be bathed with Hypericum and Calendula solution. Larger objects can be dabbed off the eyeball with a clean handkerchief dipped in the same solution; you may have to lift the upper lid to encourage the natural rear fluid to wash the object to the front of the eyeball.
If pain persists after removal of a foreign body, bathe the eye with Euphrasia solution (10 drops of mother tincture to 0.25 litres [1/2 pint] of warm water) every 4 hours, and give:
- Euphrasia 30c every 2 hours for up to 3 doses
If pain persists for more than 12 hours after removal of a foreign body, see a doctor as soon as possible.
If the eye is penetrated by glass or splinters, do not try to remove them. Contact Emergency Medical Services, and put a pad of gauze over both eyes to discourage eye movements (if the uninjured eye moves, the injured eye moves with it).
Bruising around the Eye
A single black eye is usually the result of a hard knock on the nose. If the skin around both eyes is bruised and blackened, the person may have sustained a fracture of the skull (see Head Injuries).
Specific remedies to be given every 15 minutes (or less often as pain diminishes) for up to 10 doses
- Immediately after injury Arnica 30c
- Immediately after injury caused by a blunt object Symphytum 30c
Specific remedy to be given every 2 hours for up to 10 doses
- If pain persists after Arnica but is eased by cold applications Ledum 30c
Cuts near the Eye
If the cut is small, bring the edges together and apply butterfly sutures. If the cut is large, soak a pad of gauze in Hypericum and Calendula solution, wring it out, bandage it tightly over the cut and take the person to the nearest Accident and Emergency department to have it stitched.
Specific remedies
- For minor cuts Calendula 30c every 8 hours for up to 3 days
- For deeper cuts caused by sharp objects Aconite 30c every 5 minutes (or less often as pain eases) for up to 10 doses
Chemicals in the Eye
Chemical accidents involving the eyes call for very swift action indeed. As well as causing excruciating pain, they can lead to permanent blindness.
Turn the head so that the affected eye is lower than the other - this prevents the offending chemical from trickling into the uninjured eye. Hold the person's face and eye under a gently running tap for 10-15 minutes, separating the eyelids with your fingers. Then cover the eye with sterile gauze and a bandage. Take the person to the nearest Accident and Emergency department to have the eye checked.
Specific remedy to be given every 5 minutes until pain begins to ease
Snow Blindness
This is the result of over-long exposure to snow glare without the benefit of sunglasses or ski goggles. The eyes become puffy, painful, and water profusely.
Bathe the eyes frequently with Euphrasia solution (10 drops of mother tincture to 0.25 litre [1/2 pint] boiled cold water), cover the eyes with sterile pads, and seek expert medical help.
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