The eyes are among the most sensitive and delicate parts of the body. The same can be said about the eyelids that protect them. The eyelids play an important role in shielding the eyes from dust, debris, and injury, and help spread tears to keep the eyes moist. Although most people do not commonly think of eyelid injuries, the truth is they happen, and they happen unexpectedly. It can be from an accidental poke, a small cut from a fingernail, an insect bite, or a serious deep cut from a sports accident. Because the eyes are so pivotal to our lives, the safest thing to do in the event of an eyelid injury is to visit an eyelid surgeon to ensure the damage is not far-reaching. Still, it can be helpful to know less complicated home remedies that you can employ if you cannot immediately see a doctor. Today, we answer the question, “How do you treat an eyelid injury?” so you can know exactly what to do in case an accident occurs.

Common Causes of Eyelid Injuries

Accidental scratching with fingernails
Accidental poking with a sharp object
Blunt trauma (a ball hitting the face during a sports game)
Falls or car accidents
Insect bites or stings
Burns (chemical or sunburn)
Allergic reactions
Animal bites or scratches
Punches
Flying objects like darts, debris from explosions, etc.

How Do You Treat an Eyelid Injury?

First Aids for Minor Eyelid Injury

Wash Your Hands: This should be done before touching the injured area. Do this to avoid introducing bacteria and prevent infection.
Clean the Wound Gently: Clean around the injury with mild soap and clean, lukewarm water. Do not scrub. If you suspect dirt or debris in the wound, try rinsing it away with clean water or saline solution.
Stop the Bleeding: If the injury involves a cut or a scrape and is bleeding, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop the bleeding. Bleeding from a minor eyelid injury usually stops within a few minutes.
Apply a Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth and gently place it over the closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This will help reduce the swelling and discomfort. Do this several times a day as necessary.
Use Antibiotic Ointment: Antibiotic ointments help prevent infection. It is wise to apply these ointments for small scrapes or superficial cuts. Remember to apply it carefully and avoid getting it into the eye itself.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Some eyelid injuries cannot be treated at home. You need to seek medical help if:

The cut is deep and gaping
The wound is bleeding heavily
The bleeding does not stop even after 10 minutes of pressure
The patient is experiencing eye pain or blurred vision
Something is stuck in the eyelid or the eye
There are signs of infection (pus, swelling, fever, etc.)
A chemical or foreign object caused the injury
The eyelid is torn or lacerated
Bruising is noticeable around both eyes
There is a cut in the eye

In these situations, doctors may need to use stitches to close deep cuts, prescribe antibiotic medication, or refer you to an eye specialist. If you are ever unsure if you require an eyelid surgeon or not, make an appointment to see one. It is much better to have gone to an appointment that was ultimately unnecessary than to miss an appointment you needed to maintain your vision.

What Not to Do

Do not rub your eyes on the injured area
If there is an embedded object, never attempt to remove it on your own
When applying pressure, do not apply it directly to the eyeball
Apply ointments or medications only after washing the wound
Avoid using makeup or contact lenses until the wound has fully healed.

How to Prevent Eyelid Injuries

Although accidents cannot fully be avoided, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of eyelid injuries.

Wear protective eyewear when engaging in physical sports or doing certain jobs
Use caution when using sharp objects near the face
Keep your fingernails trimmed, especially when you are living with young children or working around them
Be extra careful when working with chemicals, and keep them away from your eyes
Protect your eyelids from sunburn by wearing sunglasses

When in Doubt, Seek a Professional

Eyelid injuries may initially seem minor, but because of their delicate structure and their vital role in protecting your eyes, proper treatment for eyelid trauma is important. For minor bruises and scrapes, gentle cleaning and a cold compress may do the job. However, for persistent bleeding, deeper cuts, and injury to the eyes themselves, prompt attention from skilled medical professionals is crucial.

Sometimes, patients are not sure whether an injury is minor or major. In these situations, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional rather than assume the injury is a minor one. If you are worried about an eyelid injury or your eye itself, call us today.