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Eye Injuries
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can be preventable, yet they can still cause severe vision loss if not promptly treated.

Overview

The structure of your face helps protect your eyes from injury. Still, injuries can damage your eye, sometimes severely enough that you could lose your vision. Most eye injuries are preventable. If you play sports or work in certain jobs, you may need protection.

Common Types of Eye Injuries

Irritation of the Outer Surface

The most common type of injury happens when something irritates the outer surface of your eye. Certain jobs such as industrial jobs or hobbies such as carpentry make this type of injury more likely. It's also more likely if you wear contact lenses.

Chemical or Heat Burns

Chemicals or heat can burn your eyes. With chemicals, the pain may cause you to close your eyes. This traps the irritant next to the eye and may cause more damage. You should wash out your eye right away while you wait for medical help.

Prevention

Most eye injuries are preventable. If you play sports or work in certain jobs, you may need protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rinse the eye immediately with clean, lukewarm water or saline solution for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Hold the eyelids open to ensure the chemical does not pool under the lids. Do not attempt to neutralize the chemical with another substance, as this can cause a heat reaction and further damage. Continue flushing while seeking emergency medical care, and bring the container of the chemical with you so medical staff can identify the specific agent.
High-impact sports like baseball, softball, lacrosse, and hockey require polycarbonate safety glasses or goggles that meet ASTM F803 standards. These materials are shatter-resistant and can withstand high-velocity projectiles. For sports involving close contact or potential for facial strikes, such as basketball or tennis, impact-resistant goggles or face masks are recommended. Always ensure the eyewear fits securely and does not obstruct peripheral vision, which is critical for balance and reaction time during physical activity.
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain that does not improve with rest, a feeling that something is stuck in the eye that cannot be flushed out, or if the injury involved a chemical burn or a penetrating object. Also go to the ER if you notice a change in pupil size or shape, or if you have a history of glaucoma and experience eye pain. Routine appointments are appropriate for minor, persistent irritation that has been managed with artificial tears and has not worsened over 24 to 48 hours, provided there is no vision change.
minor foreign body, such as a speck of dust or a contact lens fragment, usually causes a sensation of grittiness, tearing, and redness but does not significantly impair vision. A penetrating injury, caused by a sharp object like a nail or metal shard, may present with a visible wound, a "black eye" without a direct hit to the eye, or sudden, severe vision loss. If you suspect a penetrating injury, do not rub the eye or attempt to remove any embedded object. Cover the eye with a rigid shield, such as a paper cup, and seek emergency care immediately to prevent infection or further structural damage.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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