In order for you to be able to administer the best care possible, you should be familiar with the structure of the eye. The eyeball itself is a fluid-filled globe and consists of smaller, distinct parts. The cornea is a think and transparent part at the front of the eyeball, which allows light to enter the eye. The eyelid consists of several movable layers of skin which cover, and therefore protect the eye. Eye injuries should be taken seriously because they can impair one's vision or lead to blindness.

Particles in the eye

Loose particles particularly small ones such as sand, dirt or an eyelash often enter the eye, causing pain, redness or watering of the eye. Do not try to remove the particle if it is:

on the cornea
sticking to or embedded in the eyeball
the eye is extremely reddish and painful
Procedure

warm the casualty not to rub their eyes
shine a light across the eye, not into it
stand beside the casualty and steady their head
spread the eyelids apart with your thumb and index finger
try to remove the particle with a moisten tissue or cloth
if the pain continues after the particle is removed, cover the eye and seek medical help
if the particle is under the upper lid have the casualty pull the upper lid down over the lower lid

Large Objects Embedded in the Eye

Procedure

warn the casualty not to rub their eye
have the casualty lie down
place bandages around the embedded object by building up the bandages to stabilize the object
make sure that there is no pressure on the embedded object
support the head to prevent movement
seek medical help

Extruded Eyeball

Procedure

DON'T TRY TO PUT THE EYEBALL BACK IN THE SOCKET
cover the extruded eyeball with a cup and tape in place making sure there is no pressure on the eyeball
keep the casualty's head immobilized to prevent further damage
seek medical help immediately

Preventing Eye injuries

Many eye injuries could be prevented if the proper precautions were taken. For example, safety glasses or eye shields should be worn when working with power tools, machinery or chemicals. When participating in sports such as hockey or squash, goggles should be worn to protect the eye from being struck by pucks, balls etc.