Eye injuries
Minor eye injuries, such as shampoo or dust in your eye, often get better on their own within a day. Get medical help if you have a chemical in your eye or something pierces it.
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On this page
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Eye injuries
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT, 10 mgActive substance: chloramphenicolManufacturer: Omnivision GmbhPrescription requiredDosage form: EYEDROP, 5 mg/mlActive substance: artificial tears and other indifferent preparationsManufacturer: Kern Pharma S.L.Prescription not requiredDosage form: Eye drops, solution in single‑dose container, 1.60 mgActive substance: artificial tears and other indifferent preparationsManufacturer: Laboratorio Stada S.L.Prescription not required
Minor eye injuries, such as shampoo or dust in your eye, often get better on their own within a day. Get medical help if you have a chemical in your eye or something pierces it.
Go to A&E or call 112 if:
- a strong chemical, such as oven cleaner or bleach, is in your eye – keep rinsing your eye with water while waiting for medical help
- a sharp object has pierced your eye
- something has hit your eye at high speed – for example, while using power tools or mowing the lawn
- there are any changes to your sight after an eye injury
- you have a headache, high temperature or sensitivity to light
- you're feeling sick or being sick after an eye injury
- you cannot move your eye or keep it open
- blood or pus is coming from your eye
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
How to treat an eye injury at home
Do
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wash your eye with clean water if there's something in it
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follow the advice on the packaging if any cosmetics or household products get in your eyes
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take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease any pain or discomfort
Don’t
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do not try to remove any object that's pierced your eye
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do not touch or rub your eye until it's better
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do not wear make-up around your eye until it's better
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do not wear contact lenses until your eye is better
How to wash your eye
You should:
- use clean water (not hot) – this can be from a tap, shower, or bottled water if you're not at home
- hold your eye open
- run lots of water over your eyeball for at least 20 minutes
Make sure the flow of water is not too strong.
Other eye injuries
There is separate information about:
Online doctors for Eye injuries
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Eye injuries with a doctor online.
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