In Singapore, many of us live fast-paced lives—work, commute, exercise, family time, errands, and screens in between. With all these daily activities, it’s not surprising that eye injuries happen more often than people think.
Some eye injuries feel “small” at the start—just a bit of redness, tearing, or discomfort. But the eye is delicate. A minor injury can turn into a bigger problem if it’s handled the wrong way or if treatment is delayed.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The most common eye injuries in Singapore
- What causes them
- Simple first aid you can do immediately
- What you should NOT do
- When it’s time to see an optometrist
Common eye injuries in Singapore (and what usually causes them)
1) Foreign body in the eye (dust, sand, metal bits)
This is one of the most common eye “accidents”.
Common causes in Singapore:
- Dust from renovation or construction areas
- Small particles from drilling, sawing, grinding, or DIY work
- Sand at playgrounds or beaches
- Dirt blown into the eyes on windy days
- Motorcycle rides or cycling without eye protection
Typical symptoms:
- Feeling like something is stuck in the eye
- Tearing that doesn’t stop
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blinking a lot
2) Corneal abrasion (a scratch on the front of the eye)
The cornea is the clear “window” at the front of your eye. A scratch can be very painful even if it looks minor.
Common causes:
- Rubbing the eye when there’s dust inside
- Fingernail scratches (very common with kids)
- Contact lens over-wear or improper handling
- Makeup brush or mascara wand accidents
- Paper edges (yes, it happens)
Typical symptoms:
- Sharp pain, especially when blinking
- Watering and redness
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Eye feels gritty
3) Chemical splash (cleaning products, shampoo, chilli, detergent)
Chemical injuries need fast action. Even “household” products can irritate or burn the eye.
Common causes:
- Bathroom and kitchen cleaners
- Bleach or disinfectant sprays
- Hand soap or shampoo
- Dishwashing liquid
- Hair dye
- Chilli juice or curry splatter while cooking
Typical symptoms:
- Burning sensation
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Swollen eyelids
- Blurred vision (sometimes)
- Pain that worsens quickly
4) Blunt trauma (getting hit in the eye)
This happens during sports, children’s play, accidents at home, and sometimes workplace incidents.
Common causes:
- Badminton shuttlecock, squash ball, basketball, football
- Accidental elbow or finger poke
- Falls and bumping into furniture edges
- Children running with toys
Typical symptoms:
- Bruising/swelling around the eye (“black eye”)
- Pain or pressure
- Blurry vision
- Seeing flashes or new floaters
- Blood in the white of the eye (subconjunctival haemorrhage)
5) Contact lens-related problems (irritation, infection risk)
Contact lenses are safe when used properly, but misuse can cause injuries or infections.
Common causes:
- Wearing lenses too long
- Sleeping in lenses (unless specifically approved)
- Poor hygiene (not washing hands, dirty lens case)
- Using tap water to rinse lenses
- Wearing lenses when eyes are already dry or irritated
Typical symptoms:
- Redness and discomfort that doesn’t go away
- Light sensitivity
- Tearing
- Blurry vision
- Pain (especially if infection is developing)
6) Eye burns from heat or steam
Not as common, but it happens—especially in kitchens.
Common causes:
- Hot oil splashes
- Steam from boiling water, soup, or noodles
- Hot metal fragments during welding/grinding
Typical symptoms:
- Pain and redness
- Watering
- Swelling
- Blurry vision
First aid for eye injuries: what to do immediately
If something flew into your eye (dust, sand, small particles)
Do this:
- Stop rubbing. Rubbing is the fastest way to cause a scratch.
- Blink repeatedly. Tears can help flush out tiny particles.
- Rinse with clean water or saline.
- If you have saline, use it.
- If not, clean running water is okay.
- Look in a mirror. If you can see the particle on the white part of the eye, rinsing may help remove it.
Avoid this:
- Don’t use tweezers or cotton buds to “pick” it out.
- Don’t keep rubbing and hoping it disappears.
- Don’t put random medicated drops “just in case”.
See an optometrist if:
- The sensation doesn’t go away after rinsing
- Pain, redness, or tearing continues
- Vision becomes blur
- You suspect metal, glass, or wood fragments
If your eye is scratched (corneal abrasion)
Do this:
- Do not rub.
- Remove contact lenses immediately (if you’re wearing them).
- Use preservative-free lubricating drops if you have them.
- Get checked as soon as possible.
Avoid this:
- Don’t patch the eye yourself.
- Don’t use steroid eye drops (unless prescribed).
- Don’t continue wearing contact lenses.
Why you should get it checked:
A scratch can become infected if not treated properly. Early management speeds up healing and reduces risk.
If chemical splashed into your eye (this is urgent)
This is the situation where speed matters most.
Do this immediately:
- Rinse the eye right away—don’t wait.
- Rinse for at least 15 minutes with clean running water.
- Hold the eyelids open while rinsing (it’s uncomfortable, but important).
- If you wear contact lenses, rinse first—lenses may come out during flushing.
After rinsing:
- Seek medical help immediately (optometrist, clinic, or emergency department depending on severity).
Avoid this:
- Don’t try to “neutralise” it with another liquid.
- Don’t use random drops before flushing.
- Don’t delay because the pain is “not that bad”.
If you got hit in the eye (sports injury or accident)
Do this:
- Apply a cold compress gently on the eyelid area (not pressing the eyeball).
- Rest your eyes and avoid strenuous activity.
- Get checked if you notice any vision symptoms.
See an optometrist urgently if:
- Vision becomes blur
- There is increasing pain
- You see flashes, floaters, or a “curtain” in vision
- The pupil looks odd or different sizes
- There’s blood inside the eye (not just a red patch)
If there’s something stuck or penetrating the eye (medical emergency)
If an object is embedded or you suspect a serious penetrating injury:
Do this:
- Do not remove the object
- Do not rinse aggressively
- Cover the eye lightly (shield if possible)
- Go to emergency immediately
The 3 biggest mistakes people make after an eye injury
Mistake #1: Rubbing the eye
It feels natural—but it can turn a minor issue into a corneal scratch very quickly.
Mistake #2: Waiting and hoping it will go away
Some problems do improve with time, but injuries and infections can worsen quickly. The eye doesn’t “give you time” the way a bruise on your arm might.
Mistake #3: Using the wrong drops
Not all eye drops are safe for injuries. Some drops can worsen infections or delay healing. When in doubt, use only preservative-free lubricating drops and get assessed.
When to see an optometrist (don’t ignore these signs)
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to get your eye checked:
- Blurred vision (even mild blur)
- Pain that doesn’t improve
- Redness that worsens
- Light sensitivity
- Persistent tearing
- Feeling like something is still stuck after rinsing
- Discharge (yellow/green mucus)
- Flashes, floaters, or shadow/curtain in vision
- Any eye injury in a contact lens wearer (higher infection risk)
A proper assessment can detect hidden issues such as corneal scratches, foreign bodies, inflammation, or trauma-related complications.
What an optometrist will do during an eye injury check
A thorough eye injury assessment is not just “checking your power”.
Depending on the case, the optometrist may:
- Check your vision and compare both eyes
- Examine the eye surface under magnification (slit lamp)
- Use a special dye to detect corneal scratches
- Check for foreign bodies under the eyelid
- Assess the front of the eye for inflammation
- Check pupil reaction and basic eye health signs
- Advise treatment and monitor healing
- Refer to an ophthalmologist urgently if needed
The goal is simple: protect your eye, prevent complications, and help you recover quickly.
Prevention tips (simple habits that protect your eyes)
You don’t need complicated tools, just a few good habits.
1) Wear protective eyewear
- DIY work, drilling, grinding, cutting
- Chemical handling
- Certain sports (especially squash)
2) Keep hands clean and avoid rubbing
If your eyes itch, rinse or use lubricating drops instead.
3) Be careful with sprays
Aim away from the face. Sprays can rebound off surfaces and go into the eyes.
4) Contact lens hygiene matters
- Wash hands before handling lenses
- Don’t use tap water
- Replace lens cases regularly
- Don’t overwear lenses
5) Childproof sharp objects and supervise play
Many eye injuries in kids are preventable with supervision and safer toy choices.
Takeaway message
Eye injuries are common in Singapore, and many happen during everyday activities—work, cooking, sports, and even simple rubbing. The good news is: most eye injuries recover well when handled properly and early.
If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Getting an eye assessment early is the safest option.
Book an appointment with United Optometrist
United Optometrist @ Square 2 (Novena MRT🚇)
⏰ Mon-Sun 11.30am – 8pm
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/+6598251377
📞 63976885
United Eyecare @ Boon Keng MRT🚇
⏰ Mon-Sun 10.30am – 7.30pm
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/+6588070495
📞 62978298
