First Aid for Eye Injuries
November 26 2025
3 min reading time
Eye injuries can happen anywhere — at home, work, during DIY, in the kitchen, on school trips or outdoors. Even a small amount of dust or an accidental splash can cause irritation or difficulty keeping the eye open.
This guide explains the most common types of eye injuries, simple first aid steps you can take straight away, and how to prepare your first aid kit with items suitable for eye care.
For workplace scenarios, see our workplace first aid scenarios guide .
Common Types of Eye Injuries
Type of Injury
What It Means
Common Causes
Irritation / Dust in the Eye Particles sitting on the surface of the eye.
Wind, gardening, DIY, construction sites.
Chemical Splash Household or workplace liquids entering the eye.
Cleaning products, oils, fuels, detergents.
Impact / Blow to the Eye Bruising or swelling to the area around the eye.
Sports, slips, falls, accidental knocks.
Scratches Surface abrasions.
Rubbing the eye, foreign particles.
First Aid for Dust, Dirt or Small Particles
Do not rub the eye.
Rinse with clean water or eyewash.
Ask the person to blink several times after rinsing.
If discomfort persists, further advice may be required.
First Aid for Chemical Splashes
If a chemical enters the eye:
Rinse immediately with clean water or eyewash.
Continue rinsing for a short period.
Remove contact lenses if they are present.
Avoid rubbing or applying any creams.
For industries using chemicals, see our first aid room requirements guide .
First Aid for Blows, Falls or Impact Around the Eye
Apply something cool (such as a cold pack wrapped in a cloth) to the area around the eye.
Do not apply pressure directly to the eyeball.
Encourage rest and avoid further impact.
First Aid for Scratches
Surface scratches can cause watering or discomfort.
Avoid rubbing the eye
Encourage blinking
Use eyewash to rinse
Items to Include in a First Aid Kit for Eye Care
Eyewash pods or bottles
Eye bath (optional)
Sterile saline solution
Soft gauze pads
Eye bandage or eye pad
Gloves
Clean water source
To restock your kit, see our first aid kit refills guide or browse our full range of first aid kits .
Where Eye Injuries Commonly Occur
Construction and industrial workplaces
Kitchens (home or commercial)
Workshops and garages
School science labs
Outdoor sports and activities
Gardening or DIY tasks
For outdoor safety, see our hiking and walking first aid guide .
Preventing Eye Injuries
Wear eye protection during DIY or workplace tasks
Keep cleaning products away from children
Avoid rubbing eyes when handling chemicals
Ensure workplaces follow safe handling procedures
For employers, see our first aid risk assessment guide .
Eye Injuries — FAQ
Should I use eyewash or plain water?
Eyewash is ideal, but clean water is also suitable if eyewash isn’t available.
Should I cover an injured eye?
If the eye is watering or sensitive, a soft eye pad can provide comfort.
Can I remove something stuck in the eye?
Avoid touching or removing anything stuck to the surface of the eye.
Is it safe to use eye drops?
Only use items intended for rinsing the eye, such as eyewash.
Can rubbing the eye make it worse?
Rubbing increases irritation. Encourage blinking instead.
