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Home First Aid For Eyes Eye Dressings

Eye Dressings

Dressings specifically designed for treating injuries of the eye.

Eye dressings include low adherent wound pads which are held in place by a stretchy conforming bandage. Eye dressings are a recommended additional to any well stocked HSE compliant First Aid Kit. Choose from standard or premium varieties.

Types Of Eye Injury

Chemical Burns

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Chemical burns to the eye can cause anything from mild irritation to permanent vision loss. The key to reducing damage is immediate and thorough flushing. 

  1. Wear disposable gloves if available and go to the nearest eyewash station.
  2. Flush the eye for at least 20 minutes, ensuring all areas are rinsed. Turn the eye in different directions while holding it open. Be careful not to splash the other eye.
  3. Remove contact lenses during rinsing if applicable.
  4. Cover the eye with a sterile eye pad or non-fluffy dressing.
  5. Call 999 immediately. If possible, bring the chemical label and eyewash bottle to help emergency responders assess the situation. Continue rinsing until medical help arrives.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

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Dust, sand, wood splinters, or metal fragments can enter the eye, causing irritation or, in severe cases, cuts or embedded debris. Most small particles can be flushed out, but sharp objects require extra care.

  1. Do not rub the eye—this can worsen the injury.
  2. Examine the eye under good lighting. Hold it open and have the person move their eye up, down, and side to side.
  3. Flush the eye using eyewash, directing the flow outward to prevent further contamination. Encourage the person to move their eye while flushing.
  4. If the object remains, try gently dabbing it with clean sterile gauze. Avoid this step if the object is sharp or deeply embedded.
  5. Seek medical attention if the object cannot be easily removed, the eye remains irritated, or there is visible/obvious remaining injury.

Eye Wounds

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Eye injuries, such as scratches, punctures, or impact bruising, should be treated seriously to prevent infection, scarring, or vision loss. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, monitor the eye for signs of redness, swelling, or prolonged discomfort.

  1. Call 999 and follow the emergency operator’s instructions.
  2. Keep the injured person still and lying on their back, supporting their head if needed.
  3. Limit eye movement—even moving the unaffected eye can worsen the injury.
  4. Cover the eye with a sterile eye pad or non-fluffy dressing. If an object is lodged in the eye, do not apply pressure—instead, protect the area with a plastic cup or similar shield.

Act Fast – quick and correct first aid can prevent further damage and improve recovery outcomes. Always ensure eyewash stations and first aid supplies are easily and immediately accessible in your workplace close to hazards. Seek professional medical attention promptly in addition to providing immediate and appropriate provisions.

Common Workplace Hazards Which Can Cause Eye Injuries

Chemical Exposure 

Acids, alkalis, cleaning agents, and industrial chemicals can cause burns, irritation, or permanent damage if they come into contact with the eyes

Flying Debris & Particles 

Metal shavings, wood splinters, glass, and dust from construction, manufacturing, and carpentry can scratch or embed in the eye

High-Pressure Liquids & Gases

Leaks, sprays, or accidental discharge of fuels, solvents, or compressed air can forcefully propel hazardous substances into the eyes

Radiation & Bright Light 

Welding arcs, UV exposure, and laser equipment can cause burns and long-term eye damage

Impact Injuries 

Blunt force trauma from falling tools, machinery, or collisions can cause bruising, bleeding, or serious structural damage to the eye

Prevention & Protection:

  • Ensure eyewash stations are available and easily accessible.
  • Use appropriate eye protection, such as safety goggles or face shields.
  • Implement safety training and hazard awareness for employees.
  • Maintain a clean and organised workspace to minimise risks.
  • Ensure appropriate safety signage and procedures are in place
  • Seek professional medical attention promptly if required

Types of Eyewash Products Available

Having the right eyewash solution on hand ensures quick and effective treatment for eye injuries. Our extensive range of eyewash products feature 0.9% sterile saline eyewash in a range of formats. Saline solution is a sterile, isotonic solution that mimics natural tears, making it safe and gentle for flushing out contaminants. Note that it is not the same as contact lens solution, which also contains preservatives to clean and preserve contact lenses.

Eyewash Pods

  • Small, single-use containers (typically 20ml) for minor eye contamination.
  • Ideal for quick rinsing of dust, dirt, or small particles.
  • Compact and easy to store in first aid kits or personal protective equipment (PPE).

Eyewash Bottles

  • Larger than pods (usually 250ml–1L) for more thorough eye irrigation.
  • Portable and can be taken to the injured person.
  • Essential for workplaces where immediate flushing is needed but a plumbed eyewash station isn’t available.

Eyewash Stations

  • Wall-mounted units containing multiple bottles for easy access in emergencies.
  • Often include a mirror and clear instructions for self-administration.
  • Ideal for high-risk environments like workshops, labs, and chemical handling areas.
  • These can also include eye pads and dressings for additional treatment options

Eyewash Kits

  • A complete set including eyewash bottles, pods, dressings, and other essentials.
  • Designed for workplaces that need a ready-to-use solution for eye injuries.
  • Helps ensure compliance with workplace first aid regulations.
  • These can also include eye pads and dressings for additional treatment options

Choosing the right eyewash product depends on your workplace risks and the need for portability. Always ensure eyewash supplies are easily and immediately accessible where hazards are located, are well maintained, and within expiry dates. Most premises will require eyewash supplies to be available in more than one place.

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