Baby Eye Injury: First Aid & When to Go to Hospital | Parenting Hub
Scratch, poke, chemical splash or knock to the eye — here's what to do at home and when to go to emergency for baby eye injuries.
Most eye knocks settle. Chemical splashes, deep cuts, embedded objects or vision change need emergency care.
Chemical splash
Rinse with lukewarm running water for at least 15–20 minutes, keeping the eyelid open. Then go straight to emergency. Take the chemical container with you if safe to do so.
Knock or poke
Apply a cool (not frozen) compress for short periods. Watch for swelling, persistent crying when opening the eye, light sensitivity or any visible cut. If any are present, see a doctor.
Object in the eye
Don't try to remove anything embedded. Cover gently and go to emergency. For loose grit, a gentle rinse with cooled boiled water may flush it out — if not, see a doctor.
When to seek help
- Chemical splash — rinse and go to emergency
- Cut to the eyelid or eye surface
- Object stuck in the eye
- Won't open eye, ongoing pain, vision change or blood inside the coloured part of the eye
Common questions
Can I use eye drops?
Don't use any drops after an injury unless a doctor prescribes them.