Eye Injuries

What to remember

• Suspect a penetrating eye injury with bleeding in or around the eye, debris or shrapnel in the eye or socket, objects sticking out, swelling or cuts, a bulging eyeball, reduced vision, or a misshapen eye.CLS M13 Slides, PDF p.8
• When you suspect it, do three things: a rapid field vision test (document it), a rigid eye shield, and the casualty's complete Combat Wound Medication Pack.CLS M13 Slides, PDF p.9
• A rapid vision test means checking whether he can read print, count fingers, see hand motion and sense light.CLS M13 Notes, PDF p.3
• Use a shield, never a patch or pressure dressing, because pressure can push the inside of the eye out through a cut.CLS M13 Slides, PDF p.10
• Tape the shield at 45-degree angles across the forehead and cheek, and cover only the injured eye unless both are hurt.CLS M13 Slides, PDF p.11
• If an object is stuck in the eye and sticks past the shield, cut a hole in the shield for it; if you cannot, put a bulky dressing around the object.CLS M13 Skill Instructions, PDF p.2
• Write every assessment and treatment on the DD Form 1380, including medications given and the time given.CLS M13 Slides, PDF p.12

Where people go wrong

• Using a pressure patch instead of a rigid shield over the injured eye (a critical step on the assessment sheet).CLS M13 Skills Assessment, PDF p.1
• Covering both eyes when only one is injured, which turns a walking casualty into a litter casualty.CLS M13 Notes, PDF p.3
• Letting the shield or an improvised cover touch or press on the eye.CLS M13 Skill Instructions, PDF p.2
• Skipping care because the wound looks small; swelling or scrapes around the eye should still be treated as this injury.CLS M13 Skill Instructions, PDF p.2

Check yourself

Questions on this module, each with the reason and the slide it came from.