Bulletin #2342, Maine Farm Safety Program: First Aid for Eyes

Bulletin #2342, Maine Farm Safety Program: First Aid for Eyes (PDF)

By Dawna L. Cyr, Farm Safety Project Assistant, and Steven B. Johnson, Ph.D., Extension Crops Specialist

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Proper first aid for eye injuries is critical. Eye injuries can occur when handling pesticides and other chemicals, using jumper cables, servicing farm equipment, welding or working in the fields. Always wear the proper eye protection for the task performed. Should an eye injury occur, seek proper first aid and medical attention.

Fresh Water for Emergencies

Always have clean fresh water available for use in flushing out any chemicals that come in contact with the eyes. Carry five gallons of water on each nurse tank and applicator. Check the water container daily and keep full of clean, fresh water. Anyone handling ammonia or other hazardous farm chemicals should carry small squeeze bottles of clean water.

Clean, fresh water for flushing the eyes should be available at all work sites.
Always wear proper eye protection for the task performed.

Specks in the Eyes

Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid. Let tears wash out the speck or particle. If the speck or particle doesn’t wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly and see a physician.

Blows to the Eye

Apply a cold compress immediately for 15 minutes and again each hour as needed to reduce pain and swelling. If there is discoloration or blackening of the eye, it could mean internal damage has occurred. See a physician.

Cuts and Punctures of the Eye or Eyelid

Bandage the eye lightly, and see a physician at once. Do not wash out the eye with water or try to remove an object stuck in the eye.

Chemical Burns

Eye damage from chemical burns can be very serious. In all cases of eye contact with chemicals, flood the eye with water immediately, continuously and gently for at least 15 minutes. Hold the head under the faucet or pour water into the eye using a clean container. Keep the eye open as widely as possible during the flooding. Do not use an eye cup or bandage the eye. Do not apply ointments, oils or salves. See a physician and explain the cause of the injury. Also, take the label or container to the physician with you.

Spray cans are an increasing source of chemical eye injury, compounded by the force of contact. Whether containing caustics or irritants, they must be carefully used and kept away from children.

This Maine Farm Safety fact sheet is part of an educational fact sheet series produced by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. For more information on farm safety, contact your UMaine Extension County Office.

Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit extension.umaine.edu.

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