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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.


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
  • 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 a headache, high temperature 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


How to treat an eye injury at home


See a GP, optician or call 111 if:

  • your eye is not getting better after 24 hours
  • you're worried about your injury

There is separate information about: