Do you know what to do if dust or sand get into your child’s eye?
What if your child accidentally injured his eye while playing sports such as football?
Here are some tips for dealing with some of the most common eye injuries for children:
- When the eye is injured by sand or dust, the eye must be washed with water directly and avoid rubbing the eye, or pressing it.
- If the child’s eye is injured from a hit by a ball or stone or during a physical push, a cold compress should be gently placed on the affected eye for 15 minutes. This would reduce swelling and relieve pain, and then you should visit a specialist. Note that eye strikes should not be tolerated; Because a light blow can lead to retinal detachment and loss of vision.
- When a child’s eye is infected with a chemical substance by tampering with a cleaning fluid, the child’s eye must be washed with water for at least 10 minutes and then visit a specialist. The type of chemical causing the infection must be known and reported to the doctor.
- If the child’s eye is injured by a sharp object while playing, such as a piece of glass, wood, pencil, or the like, do not pull it out of the eye, but directly put a hard bandage that does not put pressure on the eye, and go to the doctor immediately
- Care must be taken to avoid using eye drops, ointment, or any eye medication for children without a prescription because it may increase pain and its misuse may lead to major complications.
And remember to act quickly and get help straight from an experienced person in a medical emergency.
Source: Department of Ophthalmology
AGH Dammam