Minor eye injuries, like shampoo or dust in the eye, often settle within a day
Some eye injuries need urgent medical attention, such as chemicals or a piercing object
Never try to remove an object that's pierced the eye
Get help if symptoms haven't improved after 24 hours, or if you're worried
Always call 111 for advice about an eye injury in a child under 5
About Eye Injuries
Minor eye injuries, such as getting shampoo, dust, or a small particle in the eye, often improve on their own within a day. However, some eye injuries need medical help straight away, particularly if a chemical or sharp object is involved.
?? Go to A&E or call 999 if:
A strong chemical, such as oven cleaner or bleach, has gone in your eye (keep rinsing with water while waiting for help, and bring the container with you); a sharp object has pierced your eye; something has hit your eye at high speed, such as during power tool use or mowing the lawn; you notice any change to your sight; you have severe eye pain, a headache, or sensitivity to light; you feel or are being sick after an eye injury; you can't move your eye or keep it open; or blood or pus is coming from your eye. Do not drive yourself to A&E — ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance, and bring any medicines you take with you.
?? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
Your eye injury hasn't improved after 24 hours, you're worried about it (especially for a child), or it's very painful. Always call 111 for a child under 5 with an eye injury. You could also visit an optician for advice.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Eye Injuries · Home Care
Treating an Eye Injury at Home
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What to Do
If something's in your eye, wash it out with clean water. If a cosmetic or household product has gone in your eye, follow the safety advice on the product's packaging. Taking a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease any pain or discomfort.
Avoid touching or rubbing the eye until it's fully better, and hold off on wearing make-up around the eye or contact lenses until it's healed. If something has pierced the eye, never try to remove it yourself — this needs emergency medical attention instead.
How to Wash Your Eye
Use clean water that isn't hot — from a tap, shower, or a bottle if you're away from home. Hold the eye open and run a gentle, steady flow of water over the eyeball for at least 20 minutes, making sure the water pressure isn't too strong.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Eye Injuries · Related Issues
Other Eye Problems
? 3 min readReviewed: March 2024
Related Conditions
If you have a black eye, this is usually caused by bruising around the eye following an injury, and separate guidance is available on how to manage this at home and when to seek help. A red eye can have a range of causes, from minor irritation to infection, and there's also specific advice available on what to do if your eye looks red, including when it needs prompt attention.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
