---
title: "Eye injury first aid | Eye Health Guide"
description: "NHS-style first aid for chemical splashes, foreign bodies and eye injuries, and clear guidance on when to go to A&E. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/eye-care/eye-injury-first-aid/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Eye care guide

# Eye injury first aid

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Chemical splashes need immediate rinsing with plenty of clean water for at least 15 to 20 minutes, then urgent hospital care. Do not rub the eye. For a foreign body, rinse gently; do not try to remove embedded objects. Go to A&E for chemicals, sharp injuries, sudden vision loss, penetrating injury or severe pain.

### On this page ⌄

1. Chemical splash
2. Foreign body or dust
3. Blows, cuts and penetrating injury
4. When to go to A&E
5. Frequently asked questions

## Chemical splash

Treat every chemical splash as urgent, including household cleaners and cement.

- Rinse immediately with clean, cool running water or saline for at least 15 to 20 minutes
- Hold lids open gently so water reaches all surfaces; roll the eye as you rinse
- Remove contact lenses while rinsing if they do not come out easily, keep rinsing
- Go to A&E after rinsing — take the chemical container if safe to do so

## Foreign body or dust

Small surface particles may rinse out with clean water or saline. Do not rub. If something hit the eye at speed, metal or glass may be embedded — cover the eye with a shield or clean cup, do not press, and go to A&E.

## Blows, cuts and penetrating injury

After a blow, cold compresses may ease bruising. Seek care if vision is affected, pain is severe, or the eye looks abnormal. Never pull out an object stuck in the eye. Cover both eyes loosely if needed to reduce movement and get emergency help.

## When to go to A&E

Go to emergency eye care for chemical exposure, sharp or high-speed injury, sudden vision loss, double vision, severe pain, obvious blood inside the eye, or chemical burns despite rinsing. For minor irritation that settles after rinsing, an optometrist or urgent care may be enough.

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I use an eye bath for rinsing?

Running water or saline is best for chemical splashes because large volumes are needed. Eye baths may not flush enough.

### Can I drive myself to A&E after a chemical splash?

Rinse first, then arrange help. Vision may be blurred and driving unsafe.

### What should I not do after an eye injury?

Do not rub, do not try to remove embedded objects, do not patch tightly over a penetrating injury without specialist advice, and do not delay care for chemicals hoping it will settle.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [NHS - Eye injuries](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-injuries/)