If a chemical splashes into a child’s eye, start rinsing immediately with plenty of clean, gently running water. Aim for about 20 minutes while someone arranges urgent medical assessment. Use an eyewash station if one is immediately available. Bring the product name or a photo of the label if safe, without delaying care. SingHealth guidance on chemical splashes · NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs
If a sharp object has pierced the eye, or you suspect an object entered it at high speed, leave it untouched. Avoid pressing on the eye or trying to remove anything embedded. Get immediate emergency assessment. Call 995 if there is major trauma or another life-threatening emergency. Singapore National Eye Centre foreign-body guidance · NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs · SCDF emergency medical services
- Chemical splash → rinse immediately and get urgent medical help.
- Embedded object or high-speed impact → keep hands off the eye and get immediate assessment.
- Blurred vision, severe pain or difficulty opening the eye after injury → seek urgent emergency assessment.
On this page · If a Chemical Splashes Into the Eye · If Grit, Sand or an Object Enters the Eye · After a Blow From a Ball or Other Object · Frequently Asked Questions
If a Chemical Splashes Into the Eye
Start with clean water right away. Keep the eyelids open gently if you can, and use a soft flow. If only one eye is affected, angle the head so water runs away from the other eye. A second adult can call for help and find the product information. Tell the medical team when the splash occurred, what the chemical was and how long you rinsed. SingHealth guidance on chemical splashes · NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs · Singapore WSH Council chemical first aid guidance
If Grit, Sand or an Object Enters the Eye
For loose grit or sand on the surface, gently rinse with clean water. Avoid rubbing or using cotton buds or tweezers. If discomfort continues, seek medical assessment. When an object hit at high speed or appears embedded, go straight for emergency care and leave the eye untouched. Singapore National Eye Centre foreign-body guidance · NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs
After a Blow From a Ball or Other Object
Stop the activity and check whether the child can see normally. Seek urgent assessment if there is any vision change, severe pain, blood in the eye or trouble opening or moving it. Tell the medical team whether there was a blow to the head as well. A teacher or coach can record what struck the child and when. NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use eye drops before rinsing?
Start rinsing a chemical splash immediately with clean water. Seek urgent medical assessment and follow professional instructions about treatment. SingHealth guidance on chemical splashes · NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs
Can I remove something with a tissue or cotton bud?
For loose surface grit, use gentle rinsing. Leave any embedded object in place and get emergency care. Singapore National Eye Centre foreign-body guidance · NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs
What if the child says their vision is blurry?
A change in vision after injury needs urgent emergency assessment. Explain when the change started and how the injury happened. NHS eye injury first aid and warning signs
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Suspected Fracture in a Child in Singapore | First Aid and When to Call 995
- Nosebleed in a Child in Singapore | How to Stop It and When to Go to A&E
- Knocked-Out Tooth in Singapore | First Aid for a Permanent Tooth or Baby Tooth
- Child Head Injury in Singapore
- Accidental Poisoning in Children in Singapore
Guidance checked 8 November 2026.