Brief descriptions of treatments for some eye injuries are given in the following paragraphs.

If the casualty is wearing contact lenses, do not attempt to remove them. Evacuate a casualty with any of the described injuries. Additional information is given in Subcourse MD0547, Eye, Ear, and Nose Injuries.

a. Impaled Object. If an object is embedded in the eye, place dressings around the object to keep it stable. Cover both eyes with bandages. Covering the uninjured eye helps to keep the uninjured eyeball still. If the uninjured eyeball moves, the injured eyeball will also move. If the injured eyeball moves, additional injury may occur.

b. Lacerations. If an eye has lacerations, place a light, sterile dressing over the eye. Then place a shield or cup over the injured eye and cover both eyes with bandages. Avoid putting pressure on the eye.

c. Extruded Eyeball. If an eyeball is extruded (popped out of its socket), do not attempt to replace the extruded eyeball. Place bulky dressings around the eye, cover the extruded eyeball with a moist dressing, and place a paper cup or cone over the eye to protect the eyeball. Bandage both eyes.