When penetrating eye trauma due to shrapnel is suspected, it is critically important to prevent manipulation or additional trauma to the eye that might cause further damage to the eye.

This is accomplished by taping a rigid shield over the eye. DO NOT apply pressure to the eye.

Secure the rigid eye shield with tape at 45-degree angles across the forehead and cheek.

Rigid eye shields should be placed over both eyes only when you are sure or at least strongly suspect that both eyes have been injured. When only one eye has been injured, do not place a shield over the uninjured eye to prevent eye movement. Movement has not been shown to worsen the outcome for the injured eye. Blindness, resulting from placing eye shields over both eyes unnecessarily, makes an otherwise ambulatory casualty a litter casualty and is psychologically stressful.

If no rigid eye shield is available, tactical eyewear may be used to protect the eyes from further trauma.