Skip to main content

Eye injuries

Minor eye injuries, such as shampoo or dust in your eye, often get better on their own within a day. Get medical help if you have a chemical in your eye or something pierces it.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:

  • a strong chemical, such as oven cleaner or bleach, is in your eye – keep rinsing your eye with water while waiting for medical help, and take the container with you as the information on it may help with treatment
  • a sharp object has pierced your eye
  • something has hit your eye at high speed – for example, while using power tools or mowing the lawn
  • there are any changes to your sight after an eye injury
  • you have severe pain in your eye
  • you have a headache or sensitivity to light
  • you're feeling sick or being sick after an eye injury
  • you cannot move your eye or keep it open
  • blood or pus is coming from your eye
Find your nearest A&E
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

How to treat an eye injury at home

Do

  • wash your eye with clean water if there's something in it

  • follow the advice on the packaging if any cosmetics or household products get in your eyes

  • take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease any pain or discomfort

Don't

  • do not try to remove any object that's pierced your eye

  • do not touch or rub your eye until it's better

  • do not wear make-up around your eye until it's better

  • do not wear contact lenses until your eye is better

How to wash your eye

You should:

  • use clean water (not hot) – this can be from a tap or shower, or bottled water if you're not at home
  • hold your eye open
  • run lots of water over your eyeball for at least 20 minutes

Make sure the flow of water is not too strong.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you've injured your eye and it is not getting better after 24 hours
  • you're worried about an eye injury – particularly if it's a child that's injured
  • it's very painful

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Always call 111 if you need help for a child under 5 years old.

You could also visit an optician for advice.

Other eye injuries

There is separate information about:

Page last reviewed: 12 March 2026
Next review due: 12 March 2029