Burns to the Eye-Home Treatment & Prevention

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Home treatment may relieve your eye symptoms.

First aid for chemical burns to the eye

First aid for heat burns to the eyes or the area around the eyes

If your eye symptoms are not 100% better after 24 hours of home treatment, an evaluation by a health professional is needed.

Eye injury to a child

Applying first aid measures for an eye injury to a child may be difficult depending on the child's age, size, and ability to cooperate. Having another adult help you treat the child is helpful. Stay calm and talk in a soothing voice. Use slow, gentle movements to help the child remain calm and cooperative. A struggling child may need to be held strongly so that first aid can be started and the seriousness of the eye injury assessed.

Try a nonprescription medication to help relieve your pain.

Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin
Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn
Ketoprofen, such as Actron or Orudis
Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Be sure to follow these nonprescription medication precautions.

Carefully read and follow all labels on the medication bottle and box.
Use, but do not exceed, the maximum recommended doses.
Do not take a medication if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
If you have been told to avoid a medication, call your health professional before taking it.
If you are or could be pregnant, call your health professional before using any medication.
Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 20 unless directed to do so by your health professional.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

Decreased, double, or blurred vision doesn't clear with blinking.

Pain increases or continues more than 24 hours.

Signs of infection develop.

Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

Prevention

The following tips may help prevent burns to the eye:

Wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shields when working with power tools or chemicals or doing any activity that might cause an object or substance to get into your eyes. If you work with hazardous chemicals that could splash into your eyes, be aware of the proper procedure for flushing chemicals out and the location of the nearest shower or sink.

Wear a mask or goggles designed for welding if you are welding or near someone else who is welding.

Injuries from ultraviolet (UV) light can be prevented by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays and by wearing broad-brimmed hats. Be aware that the eye can be injured from glare during boating, sunbathing, and skiing. Use eye protection while under tanning lamps or when using tanning booths. Laser pointers have not been shown to cause eye injury.

2011-06-26