Eye Injury: First Aid for Minor Cuts

Overview

Here are steps to take to clean a minor cut near the eye.

1. Stop the bleeding
   • Wear medical gloves, or if gloves are not available, use a clean cloth or plastic bag or cleanest material available.
   • Apply light pressure to a very minor skin cut near the eye to stop the bleeding.

   Do not apply any pressure to the eyeball.

2. Clean the cut.
   • Wash your hands and wear gloves if they are available.
   • Wash the cut under running tap water and use a washcloth to remove all the dirt, debris, and bacteria from the wound.
3. Bandage the cut.
   • Use a sterile bandage if you have one.
   • If you don't have one, use a clean bandage or cloth.
   • Don't use fluffy cotton bandages around the eye. They could come apart and stick to the eye.
4. Decide if more care is needed.
   • If the cut is more than very minor or if you are concerned, have the cut evaluated by a health professional.
   • A small cut on the inner eyelid may damage tear ducts and should be evaluated.