More than 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. every year, reports the American Academy of Ophthalmology. While a great portion of these injuries require emergency medical care, the afflicted can treat many at home. Getting woodchips in the eye is a common injury for woodworkers. It is usually not considered a severe injury, especially if the wood chip is merely a speck. Treat most cases involving wood chips with simple first aid.
Attempt to allow natural tears to flush out the wood chip.
Flush the eye out with eyewash solution. You also can use water. Do this for 15 minutes or until the wood chip flows away
Lift the upper eyelid down over the bottom lid in between flushing out the eye.
Bandage the eye with gauze and see a doctor if the woodchip does not flush out.
Warning
Do not rub eyes. If the wood chip is larger than a speck, seek immediate medical attention. If any pain or redness continues after flushing out the wood chip, seek immediate medical attention.