Procedure · Eye care
Eye injury care
Eye injuries range from a scratch on the surface of the eye to chemical splashes and blunt or penetrating injuries. Some need immediate emergency care. The clinic assesses and treats minor eye injuries during its consultation hours. For a severe injury, go to an emergency department first; do not wait for an appointment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
At a glance
The essentials.
- Practice
- Eye care
- Type
- Consultation or procedure
The full guide
What to do first
Before anything else:
- Chemical splash: rinse the open eye immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, then get emergency care. Rinsing first matters more than anything else.
- Do not rub the eye, and do not try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.
- Do not press on an injured eye. If you can, cover it loosely with a clean shield or cup, without pressure.
- For a blow to the eye with reduced vision, a penetrating injury, or an object stuck in the eye, go straight to an emergency department.
This website is for information and appointments. It is not monitored for emergencies. For sudden loss of vision, a serious eye injury, or severe eye pain with nausea or vomiting, call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
What it is
Eye injury care at the clinic covers the assessment and treatment of minor injuries: scratches of the cornea (the clear front window of the eye), small foreign bodies such as dust or a metal particle, and minor lid injuries. It also covers follow-up after emergency treatment elsewhere.
Who it is for
Typical reasons to attend are a gritty, painful eye after dust or grinding work, a scratch from a fingernail or leaf, or a small particle that will not wash out. Pain, watering, and sensitivity to light are common with a surface scratch.
Safety, limitations, and when to contact the clinic
Most small corneal scratches heal over a few days. Return promptly if pain increases, vision worsens, or light sensitivity grows, as these can mean the injury is deeper or infected. The clinic is an outpatient practice: injuries that need surgery, emergency imaging, or hospital facilities are referred on after first aid.
Results and follow-up
A review confirms that the surface has healed, especially after a foreign body or a deeper scratch. The ophthalmologist also advises on protective eyewear where the injury came from work or sport.
Sources
American Academy of Ophthalmology — Recognizing and treating eye injuries
What happens
On the day.
What to expect from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
during
During the visit
vision is checked first. Numbing drops are used so the eye can be opened and examined; a dye shows scratches on the cornea under blue light. A small surface foreign body can be removed with fine instruments after the numbing drops.
after
Afterwards
drops or ointment may be prescribed, and you are told exactly what to watch for. Do not wear contact lenses until the eye has healed and the clinic says lens wear can restart. If your work involves dust, grinding, or chemicals, wear the eye protection provided for it.
Before your appointment
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about preparation, timing and what happens at the clinic.
Something blew into my eye and it still feels gritty. What should I do?
Do not rub the eye. Blink and rinse it with clean water. If the feeling lasts more than a few hours, or vision changes, have the eye examined — a scratch or a retained particle needs assessment.
What should I do for a chemical splash?
Rinse the open eye with clean water immediately and keep rinsing for at least 15 minutes, then get emergency care. If you can, bring the name or container of the chemical with you.
The injury happened at night. Should I wait for the clinic to open?
Not for anything severe. For reduced vision, a penetrating injury, a stuck object, or a chemical splash, go to the nearest emergency department or call 108. Minor grittiness can be assessed at the next consultation hours.
Where this fits
Related care and consulting times.
The conditions this is used alongside, and when the consultant sees patients at the clinic.
Consultation hours
- Eye care
- Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.