First Aid Guides
Eye injury - Impact
First aid for a blow to the eye
Direct impact to the eye from a fist, playing sport or an accident can cause serious damage.
The power of the impact can cause bleeding, bruising or direct damage to the eye itself. It may even leave foreign objects in the eye.
Minor blows can often be managed at home. Any eye injury should be monitored for signs of serious injury or potential infection.
Read more about causes, signs and symptoms.
Start with DRSABCD
D - Danger
Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.
R - Response
Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.
- If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide
- If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
First aid for a minor blow
If they've suffered an impact on the eye, the injury may cause the area to bleed and swell.
If someone has a major injury to the eye, follow the Eye injury - Major injury guide instead.
Call Triple Zero (000) if:
- Your vision is blurry, or there are blind spots
- Fluid is coming from your eyeball
- There is intense pain
- You are concerned for any other reason
Follow these steps to treat a minor blow to the eye.
Step 1: Rest and reassure
- Calm and reassure them
- Don't let the person rub their eyes
- Ask them to keep their eyes still
Step 2: Stop the bleeding
- If there is a cut to the eyelid or brow, gently apply a medical patch or dressing to stop the bleeding
- Gently wipe away blood if necessary
- Once the bleeding has stopped, check the eye for damage or foreign objects
First aid for a major eye injury
If someone has a major eye injury, call Triple Zero (000).
Don't try to remove a foreign object from the eye yourself.
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, follow these steps:
Step 1: Rest and reassure
- Lay them on their back and keep them still
- Support their head using blankets/towels to stop movement
Step 2: Cover the wound
- If there is an object, place a non-fluffy dressing around the object and bandage gently in place
- If there is no object, place a pad over the eye and bandage gently in place
- Don't place pressure on the eye
Step 3: Monitor symptoms
- Monitor for signs of shock
- Calm and reassure them
- If they have difficulty breathing or lose consciousness, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
Step 3: Manage swelling and monitor
- Gently place a cold pack over the eye in 10-minute intervals
- Don't place ice directly on the skin
- Monitor for signs of a head injury, including concussion
You should seek medical advice and have the eye examined for potential damage as soon as possible.
Head injuries
Someone who has suffered an impact to the eye could also have a head injury or concussion
Head injuries guide
