Eye Injury: First Aid for Minor Cuts
Here are steps to take to clean a minor cut near the eye.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water, if available.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Current as of: October 1, 2025
Current as of: October 1, 2025