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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 face cloth 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 10, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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