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Eye Injury: First Aid for Minor Cuts

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Eye Injury: First Aid for Minor Cuts

Overview

Here are steps to take to clean a minor cut near the eye.

  1. Stop the bleeding
    • Wear medical gloves, or if gloves are not available, use a clean cloth or plastic bag or cleanest material available.
    • Apply light pressure to a very minor skin cut near the eye to stop the bleeding.

    Do not apply any pressure to the eyeball.

  2. Clean the cut.
    • Wash your hands and wear gloves if they are available.
    • Wash the cut under running tap water and use a washcloth to remove all the dirt, debris, and bacteria from the wound.
  3. Bandage the cut.
    • Use a sterile bandage if you have one.
    • If you don't have one, use a clean bandage or cloth.
    • Don't use fluffy cotton bandages around the eye. They could come apart and stick to the eye.
  4. Decide if more care is needed.
    • If the cut is more than very minor or if you are concerned, have the cut evaluated by a health professional.
    • A small cut on the inner eyelid may damage tear ducts and should be evaluated.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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