Eye - Injury
Eye - Injury
Does this describe your child's symptoms? |
Definition
Vision
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If not, see these topics
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When to Call Your Doctor |
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
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Parent Care at Home If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR EYE INJURIES |
Superficial Cuts or Scrapes:
Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. (Protect the eye with a clean cloth.)
Apply antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin (no prescription needed) to cuts. Cover large scrapes with Band-Aid. Change daily.
Swelling or Bruises with Intact Skin (including a Black Eye):
Initially, apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the area for 20 minutes per hour to reduce the bleeding. Repeat for 4 consecutive hours.
A black eye usually takes 1 to 2 days to develop.
A flame-shaped bruise of the white of the eyeball is also common. (called a subconjunctival hemorrhage)
After 48 hours, apply a warm wash cloth for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
Expected Course: Both of these injuries are harmless, last about 2 weeks and cannot be helped by any medicine.
Call Your Doctor If:
Pain becomes severe
Changes in vision
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
March 22, 2017