In the event of a penetrating eye injury, which initial action is appropriate before professional care?

• A. Irrigate with a cool sterile saline solution.
• B. Remove the object impaled in the eye.
• C. Place an ice bag over the eye.
• D. Apply a fox shield to the affected eye and patch the other eye.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is to prevent further eye injury by immobilizing and protecting the eye before professional care. In a penetrating eye injury, you don’t remove the object or try to wash it out—doing so can push the object deeper, cause more bleeding, or introduce infection. You also avoid applying pressure or an ice pack, which can worsen tissue damage. Instead, place a rigid protective shield over the affected eye (a fox shield) to prevent rubbing or pressure, and cover the other eye as well to limit eye movements. This stabilization reduces movement and protects delicate ocular structures until a clinician can evaluate and treat the injury. Then seek urgent medical attention right away.