Holidays are for switching off, relaxing and enjoying yourself. However, a minor eye accident, such as getting sand in your eye, a splash of sun cream or a knock, can happen when we least expect it and cause a lot of worry. Knowing how to act (and, above all, what not to do) in those first moments is crucial to stop a minor problem from becoming something more serious.
At Clínica Ramírez & Gálvez, we have put together this eye first aid guide so you know how to react to the most common summer mishaps. Save it – it could come in very handy!
1. Sand or a Foreign Body in the Eye 🏖️
It’s the classic beach-day problem. You feel that irritating scratching that won’t even let you open your eye.
- What TO DO ✅:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area.
- Blink several times so that your own tears clean the eye naturally.
- If the discomfort persists, gently rinse the eye with saline solution or bottled water, tilting your head towards the side of the affected eye.
- What NOT TO DO 🚫:
- NEVER RUB YOUR EYES! It is a reflex, but rubbing can push the foreign body in further and scratch the cornea (corneal abrasion).
- Do not try to remove it with tweezers, cotton buds or any other object.
- When to See a Doctor: If the feeling of having something in your eye does not go away after rinsing, the pain gets worse or your vision becomes blurred.
2. A Splash of Sun Cream or Another Chemical 🧴
You are applying sunscreen and, accidentally, a little gets into your eye, causing an intense stinging sensation.
- What TO DO ✅:
- Act immediately. Rinse the eye thoroughly with clean water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes. It is important to keep the eye open under the gentle stream so that the whole surface is cleaned properly.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you start rinsing.
- What NOT TO DO 🚫:
- Do not ignore the stinging. Immediate rinsing is the key to minimising irritation.
- Do not use “whitening” or any other eye drops without a prescription.
- When to See a Doctor: If pain, intense redness or blurred vision persist after thorough rinsing.
3. A Blow or Eye Injury ⚽
Being hit by a ball or a beach bat, or a fall, can cause direct trauma to the eye.
- What TO DO ✅:
- Gently apply something cold (a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth) to the bone around the eye, never pressing on the eyeball itself. This helps reduce swelling and bruising (a “black eye”).
- What NOT TO DO 🚫:
- Do not press on or touch the eye directly.
- Do not try to assess the damage yourself.
- When to See a Doctor: ALWAYS. Any direct blow to the eye, however minor it may seem, requires an urgent ophthalmological assessment to rule out serious internal damage (bleeding, retinal detachment, etc.).
4. Insect Bite on the Eyelid 🦟
A mosquito or other insect bite can cause very noticeable and uncomfortable swelling of the eyelid.
- What TO DO ✅:
- Apply something cold to reduce the swelling and relieve the itching.
- Clean the area with water and a mild soap.
- What NOT TO DO 🚫:
- Do not scratch or rub it. You could cause an infection (periorbital cellulitis).
- Do not apply steroid creams or other medicines that are not specifically intended for the eye area.
- When to See a Doctor: If the swelling is so severe that you cannot open your eye, if there is a lot of pain or a fever, or if you notice any change in your vision.
A Worry-Free Holiday for Your Eyes ✨
Most summer eye incidents turn out to be nothing more than a scare if you act calmly and correctly. Your small travel first aid kit should always include single-dose saline solution and a pair of certified sunglasses.
And remember: if in doubt, the best decision is to see a professional. At Clínica Ramírez & Gálvez, we are here for you in any emergency. Enjoy the rest of the summer safely!