Eye Injury: First Aid for Minor Cuts

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

1. Wash your hands well with soap and water, if available.
2. Put on medical gloves before applying direct pressure to the wound. If gloves aren't available to apply pressure, you can:
   • Use many layers of fabric, plastic bags, or whatever you have between your hands and the wound.
   • Apply light pressure to a minor skin cut near the eye to stop the bleeding. Do not apply any pressure to the eyeball.
3. Clean the cut as soon as you can.
   • Wash the cut with cool, clean water and use a washcloth to remove all the dirt, debris, and bacteria from the wound.
4. Apply a bandage, if needed. Most cuts heal well and may not need a bandage. You may need to protect the cut from dirt or irritation.
   • If you use a bandage, replace it if it gets wet or dirty.
   • If available, use a nonstick bandage.
   • Don't use fluffy cotton bandages around the eye. They could come apart and stick to the eye.
5. Decide if more care is needed.
   • If you are concerned that the injury is more serious, you may need to be checked by a doctor to see if you need stitches or a tetanus shot.
   • A small cut on the inner eyelid may damage tear ducts and should be checked by a doctor.