Knowing what to do for an eye emergency can save valuable time and possibly prevent vision loss. Here are some instructions for basic eye injury first aid. 

• Wear eye protection for all hazardous activities and sports-at school, home, and on the job.
• Stock a first aid kit with a rigid eye shield and commercial eyewash before an eye injury happens.
• DO NOT assume that any eye injury is harmless. When in doubt, see a doctor immediately.

• Immediately flush the eye with water or any other drinkable liquid. Hold the eye under a faucet or shower, or pour water into the eye using a clean container. Keep the eye open and as wide as possible while flushing. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes.
• DO NOT use an eyecup.
• If a contact lens is in the eye, begin flushing over the lens immediately. This may wash away the lens.
• DO NOT bandage the eye.
• Seek immediate medical treatment after flushing.

• DO NOT rub the eye
• Try to let tears wash the speck out or use an eyewash.
• Try lifting the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid.
• If the speck does not wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly, and see a doctor.

• Apply a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. Crushed ice in a plastic bag can be taped to the forehead to rest gently on the injured eye.
• In cases of pain, reduced vision, or discoloration (black eye), seek emergency medical care. Any of these symptoms could mean internal eye damage.

• DO NOT wash out the eye with water or any other liquid.
• DO NOT try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.
• Cover the eye with a rigid shield without applying pressure. The bottom half of a paper cup can be used.
• See a doctor at once.