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What to do if…
you hit your eye and now have worsening pain or blurred vision

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Worsening eye pain or blurred vision after an eye hit needs urgent assessment. Arrange A&E assessment now, and call 999 if you cannot travel safely or you think the injury may be severe.

Do not do these things

  • Do not sleep on it or wait until tomorrow if your vision has changed or the pain is severe or worsening.
  • Do not rub, press, or massage the eye.
  • Do not try to remove anything stuck in or piercing the eye.
  • Do not wear contact lenses until you have been assessed.
  • Do not drive yourself if your vision is blurred, doubled, reduced, or you feel unsafe to travel.
  • Do not rinse the eye after a hard impact unless a chemical, dust, grit, or loose material is in it.

What to do now

  1. Choose A&E now if any urgent sign is present. Go to A&E or call 999 if you have blurred, doubled, reduced, or changed vision; severe or worsening pain; headache or light sensitivity; nausea or vomiting after the injury; blood, pus, or fluid coming from the eye; obvious blood inside the eye after the injury; an oddly shaped or unequal pupil; you cannot open or move the eye; something is stuck in or has pierced the eye; or the hit was high-speed, such as from a ball, tool, mowing, gardening equipment, or a fast-moving object.
  2. Call 999 if getting there is not safe. This includes if you cannot see well enough to travel, feel faint or very unwell, are alone without safe transport, or suspect a penetrating or serious eye injury.
  3. Ask someone else to take you. Do not drive. If you can, ask another adult to come with you and bring any medicines you take.
  4. Protect the eye while you arrange help. Keep it closed if that is more comfortable. If you are worried about another knock, loosely shield it with something clean and rigid, such as a paper cup taped to the bone around the eye, not pressed onto the eyelid.
  5. Leave anything stuck in the eye alone. Do not pull it out. Keep the eye still, avoid pressure, and get emergency help.
  6. Remove contact lenses only if it is easy. If a lens feels stuck, removal increases pain, or your vision is badly affected, leave it and tell the clinician.
  7. Use simple pain relief only if you normally can. Paracetamol can be used if you take it safely. Follow the packet instructions and tell the clinician what you took and when.
  8. Say clearly what changed. When you speak to A&E, 999, or NHS 111 where available, say: “I hit my eye earlier and now the pain is worsening or my vision is blurred.” Note the time of injury, what hit the eye, whether it was high-speed, and whether you have double vision, light sensitivity, new flashes or floaters, headache, nausea, or vomiting.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether it is definitely serious before seeking help; worsening pain or blurred vision after an eye hit is enough.
  • You do not need to search for a diagnosis or try several home treatments first.
  • You do not need a routine GP appointment before urgent assessment if your vision has changed or pain is worsening.
  • You do not need to sort out work, sport, screens, or contact lenses now; the immediate task is getting the eye checked safely.

Important reassurance

Feeling shaken or unsure is understandable, especially when symptoms worsen after the first shock has passed. Urgent assessment is a protective step because different eye injuries can feel similar early on, and checking promptly is safer than guessing at home.

Scope note

These are first steps for the hours after an eye injury with worsening pain or blurred vision. Later decisions about tests, treatment, follow-up, work, driving, sport, or contact lenses may need help from an eye specialist or another clinician.

Important note

This guide is general information only, not a diagnosis, medical advice, or professional advice. If you have worsening pain, blurred vision, or any vision change after an eye injury, seek urgent medical care.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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