First aid for eye injuries
Eye injuries are one of the situations where quick, correct first aid can make a big difference. The main rules are: rinse well for anything chemical, do not remove anything embedded, and get every eye injury assessed. For pain, paracetamol is preferred over ibuprofen for eye injuries.
Looking after yourself
- Chemical splash: rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes, then go to A&E
- Foreign body on the surface of the eye: blink or rinse gently — do not rub
- Embedded object: do not remove it. Cover the eye with a cup or pad and go to A&E
- Blunt injury: cold compress over a cloth, do not press directly
- Paracetamol is the preferred pain relief for eye injuries — ibuprofen can slightly increase bleeding
When to get medical help
Use NHS 111 online, call 111, or contact your GP if:
- Every significant eye injury — same day
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have sudden loss of vision, an object stuck in the eye, or a chemical splash — go to A&E.
Further information
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.