What is happening?

What to do

1. Chemical, penetrating object, high-speed impact, changed vision, severe pain or cannot keep eye open: immediate medical help.
2. Embedded object/suspected punctured eye: no rinsing, pressure or removal. Emergency help now. Suitable rigid shield if you can apply without touching eye/object. No tight patch. No shield: prevent rubbing/contact, seek guidance.
3. For chemicals: hold eye open, use clean non-hot water and gentle flow. Rinse at least 20 minutes and continue while awaiting help.
4. For chemicals: head down, turned toward the affected eye. Let gentle water run from forehead over that eye.
5. Keep contaminated water out of the other eye and off other people.
6. Chemicals without penetrating object only: Remove contact lenses if easily removable. Do not delay rinsing.
7. Have the chemical container ready if safe.
8. Chemicals only, both eyes: gentle water over nose bridge to both eyes. Child: support safely leaning back over sink, gentle forehead flow. No forced lids or child alone. Ask another helper.
9. Chemical on hands: clean/rinse before touching face. Chemical plus embedded object: no manipulation or jet at object. Urgent expert guidance. Unable to irrigate safely: request help now, no forced posture.
10. Even without a chemical or an object in the eye, pain, changed vision or a high-speed impact needs immediate medical care. Report any change. Ask someone to stay with you and arrange safe transport. Do not drive or rub the eye. If a child is affected, seek medical advice.