What Should I Do If I Get Poked in the Eye?

Being jabbed in the eye can happen whenever the eye comes into contact with an external object. Such a poke can be startling and painful, though many cases resolve without major issues.

Still, an eye poke can lead to more severe problems, including a corneal abrasion or direct damage to the eyeball. Read on to learn how to manage a poked eye and how to lower the chance of complications.

How does a poke in the eye happen?

An eye poke is a type of trauma. It often occurs in crowded settings where people are close together, such as sporting events, concerts, or social gatherings. Movement and confusion in these environments can result in a finger or object making contact with the eye.

It may also happen during athletic activities like soccer or basketball.

Occasionally a poke is self-inflicted, for example while applying makeup or washing around the eyes. These incidents tend to be minor and can usually be handled at home.

Treating a poked eye

Minor pokes to the eye are often manageable at home. If the injury was caused by a blunt object, like a finger, try these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid rubbing the eye.
2. Flush the eye with clean water or sterile saline solution if one is available.
3. Use a cool compress, removing it periodically to avoid excessive chilling.
4. If you have discomfort, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

See a clinician if you think you may have scraped the eye’s surface (a corneal abrasion). Warning signs include:

• ongoing discomfort
• difficulty keeping the eye open
• a sensation that something is lodged in the eye

If there’s bleeding on the skin around the eye from a scratch, cover the area with a clean cloth and apply gentle pressure.

In more severe pokes, blood can collect in the front chamber of the eye, over the pupil or iris. This is an emergency. These injuries are serious and can cause permanent vision loss. Seek immediate medical care.

Bleeding on the white of the eye (the sclera) usually isn’t dangerous unless you notice vision changes.

Any alteration in vision after an injury warrants prompt medical evaluation.

If you suffered a strong blow near the eye and developed a black eye, continue using cold compresses as needed and consult your doctor for further assessment.

Preventing a poke in the eye

While you can’t avoid every risk, there are steps to reduce the likelihood of being poked in the eye:

• Wear protective eyewear when using tools, attending potentially rowdy events, or playing sports. Shop for protective eyewear online.
• Avoid risky situations where elbows, fingers, or other objects might strike the eye. Steer clear of areas where such contact is more likely.
• Remove hazards at home that might cause you to trip or fall into objects. Falling can result in an eye poke.

For questions about specific exposures—such as accidentally getting semen in the eye—see resources about cum in eye for guidance.

When to get medical attention

Eye trauma can produce a range of problems, from bruising around the eye to corneal abrasions or globe injuries.

Seek medical care immediately after an injury if you experience any of the following:

• severe eye pain
• excessive tearing
• sensitivity to light
• changes in vision
• flashes of light
• floaters
• visible blood in the eye

If part of an object remains embedded in your eye, get emergency care. Do not remove an object that has penetrated the eyeball.

Outlook

A poke to the eye can happen unexpectedly. Using appropriate eye protection is a key way to prevent eye trauma.

Don’t disregard symptoms that need urgent attention. If mild eye symptoms do not improve within 24 hours, contact your healthcare provider. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of lasting complications.