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FAMILY ILLNESS
Eye pain or irritation
Injury, infection, and allergy are the most common causes of discomfort or irritation of the eye and eyelids. A painless red area in the white of the eye is likely to be a burst blood vessel and should clear up without treatment. However, you should see your doctor if your eyes are sore. Consult your doctor immediately if your vision deteriorates.
START
Does either of the following apply?
You have something in your eye
You have injured your eye
Neither
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES A foreign object in your eye is likely to cause pain and redness.
• Follow the first-aid advice for dealing with a foreign object in the eye( p. 36).
SEEK EMERGENCY HELP AT THE HOSPITAL if a foreign object is embedded in the eye.
! Contact lens wearers
If you wear contact lenses and experience any kind of eye pain or irritation:
• Remove your lenses without delay.
• Do not use them again until the problem has been
identified and treated. If the pain is caused by grit under the lens, there is a risk that the cornea will be scratched.
• Make an appointment to see your ophthalmologist.
What is the main symptom?
Pain in and around the eye
Has your vision deteriorated since the injury?
Yes
No
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Your pain may be caused by a minor eye injury.
• Follow the first-aid advice for dealing with eye wounds( p. 35).
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You may have a stye( infected hair follicle) or a chalazion( infected gland in the eyelid).
• Hold a clean, warm, damp cloth on the eyelid for 20 minutes several times a day.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your eye does not improve within 3 days.
Itching or irritation of the eyelid
Tender red lump on the eyelid
The eye feels gritty
None of the above
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! A serious eye injury is possible. Expert help may be needed to prevent permanent damage to the eye.