a. Prevent Additional Damage to Eyes.

(1) Protect the soldier from additional exposure to the radiant energy source. Keep the casualty from looking at the light source or remove him from the path of the radiation. If the radiant energy burn was caused by a light source, have the casualty don protective goggles. Special protective goggles are available to protect the wearer’s eyes from specific wavelengths of light commonly used by laser devices.

(a) Other soldiers should also don protective goggles if they have not already done so.

(b) Sunglasses provide some protection if goggles are not available.

(2) Keep the casualty out of bright sunlight.

(3) Tell the casualty to not squeeze his eyelids. The pressure could cause additional damage.

b. Apply Ointment, If Appropriate.

If the cornea has been damaged (burned) by a laser and the eye has not been perforated, apply antibiotic ointment to the injured eye.

c. Cover the Eye, If Appropriate.

(1) If the cornea has been burned by a laser, apply a patch to the injured eye. If only one eye is injured, do not apply a patch to the uninjured eye.

(2) Do not cover the casualty’s eye if the cornea is not burned and he must see to perform his combat duties. If the casualty does not need to use his vision (does not need to walk or continue his mission), he may feel more comfortable if a cloth or loose bandage is placed over both eyes.

d. Perform Other Measures as Needed.

(1) Administer analgesic pain relief as needed.

(2) Treat any burns on exposed skin around the eye as thermal burns.

(3) Reassure the casualty that you will take care of him. Reduced vision, even if no pain is present, may present serious psychological problems. Most casualties will have little or no permanent damage to their sight.