First Aid for Sports Injuries

APP Alphabetical Index

EYE INJURIES

Eye Bruise ("Black Eye")

1. Apply ice/cold pack as soon as possible.

2. Consult a physicians if vision is impaired, the eye has sustained a direct blow, or eye movement is restricted.

Foreign Object in the Eye

2. Do not rub the eye.

3. Do not attempt to remove the foreign object with fingers, toothpick, or any other object.

4. Lower eye: Gently pull down the lower eyelid. An object on the inner surface may be removed with the edge of a sterile gauze bandage or a clean handkerchief.

5. Upper eye: Gently pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid with the person looking down. The resultant tears may dislodge the object onto the lower eyelid, thereby facilitating removal.

Sunlight Damage ("Snow Blindness")

1. Cover the eyes with patches or light-proof bandages for 24 hours.

2. If desired, take two aspirin or two acetaminophen for pain.

3. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

Consult a physician IF...

• the eye has been cut or punctured. Shield the eye with the bottom of a paper cup taped to the face.

• vision is impaired, the eye has sustained a direct blow, or eye movement is restricted.

• an object cannot be removed, is embedded in the surface of the eye, or has penetrated the eye. Cover both eyes with patches or gauze bandages secured with tape to reduce eye movement.

• snow blindness.