Active summer play brings an increased risk of eye injuries from balls, sticks, sand, chemicals, and other hazards.
Knowing what to do in the first moments can protect your child’s vision and prevent further damage. If a foreign object like sand or an eyelash gets in the eye, have your child blink repeatedly or tilt their head to the injured side and gently flush the eye with clean water or saline.
Never let them rub the eye, as this can scratch the surface.
For chemical injuries (soap, sunscreen, pool chemicals), immediately flush the eye with large amounts of clean, drinkable water and seek medical help right away.
If you suspect a serious injury—a penetrating wound, visible cut, blood in the eye, or severe pain and vision changes—do not rinse or press on the eye.
Cover the eye loosely with a clean cup or sterile pad taped gently in place (without pressure) and take your child to the emergency room or eye doctor immediately.
Even after successful first aid, if your child continues to complain of pain, blurred vision, or a feeling that something is still in the eye, professional evaluation is essential.
NOTE: The information provided here is for general educational purposes only.
It is inherently limited and should not be solely relied upon.
Always seek the advice of a medical professional for any medical questions or concerns.
The content of this blog post does not create a patient-physician relationship and is not intended as medical or patient advice. Consult a doctor for answers to all medical matters.
Contact EyeCare4Kids for more information:
EMAIL ADDRESS: info@eyecare4kids.org
CALL US: Global Headquarters: (801) 285-5443
VISIT US: Global Headquarters: 6911 State St. Midvale, UT 84047
