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Eye Injury, Minor

Treatment of Superficial Cuts and Scrapes (abrasions) to eyelid or area around eye:
- Apply direct pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. (Protect the eye with a clean cloth.)
- Apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
Treatment of Swelling or Bruise with Intact Skin:
- Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes each hour for 4 consecutive hours.
- 48 hours after the injury, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times each day to help reabsorb the blood.
Treatment of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (flame-shaped bruise of the white area of eyeball):
- No specific treatment is required.
- It usually goes away in 2-3 weeks.
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g., Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g., Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.