Where do most eye injuries occur?

An eye injury can occur at any time, in any place. Adequate prevention is important and could probably eliminate most eye injuries. Close to 50% of injuries occur in sports and recreational activities--more often in children and teens than any other age group.

What should be done if a child has an eye injury?

If there is a chemical injury, immediate irrigation with water is critical. Flush the eyes and face with any available source of water for at least 10-15 minutes. Follow up immediately with a trip to the emergency room or ophthalmologist.

If a sharp object has penetrated the eye (like a fish hook), do not pull it out, but transport the person to the emergency room as soon as possible. Other blunt or sharp injuries should be examined by an ophthalmologist, since the serious nature of the injury may not be readily apparent.

Reference: American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus