Corneal injury: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help immediately if:

   • A chemical has entered the eye; begin continuous rinsing first
   • An object is embedded in the eye or appears to have entered it
   • The injury involved high-speed metal, glass, or machinery
   • The eye looks misshapen, the pupil is irregular, or fluid is leaking
   • There is blood inside the eye or sudden major vision loss
   • A severe blow or sharp object caused the injury

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day assessment for pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision after an injury.

   This is especially important if you wear contact lenses, cannot open the eye, cannot rinse out a particle, or develop increasing redness, discharge, or worsening pain.

   Arrange prompt reassessment if symptoms are not clearly improving within 24 to 48 hours, return after healing, or vision remains blurred.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Corneal injury. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.