If a penetrating eye injury is noted or suspected, three steps must be taken:
- Perform a rapid field test of visual acuity and document findings
- Rapid visual acuity testing includes the ability to read print, count fingers, identify hand motion, and sense light perception.
- Cover the affected eye with a rigid eye shield, NOT a pressure patch
- A pressure dressing could result in permanent loss of vision. Place a rigid eye shield on only one eye, unless both eyes are injured. Covering both eyes turns an otherwise ambulatory casualty into a litter casualty. Tactical eyewear is always a good way to prevent eye issues and can be used for protection if no eye shield is available.
- Administer the casualty’s complete Combat Wound Medication Pack (CWMP), including all the medications contained in it.
- One of the medications is 400mg of moxifloxacin, which is administered for eye injuries to prevent infection. Penetrating eye trauma may not always be large injuries from bullets or shrapnel. A cut or laceration of the eye can have the same effect and allow contents to leak from the eyeball. If left untreated, small eye injuries can become infected and cause blindness.