1. Check the eye for swelling.
If the eyelid is swollen shut and covering the eyeball, reduce the swelling before continuing with treatment.
Place a handful of ice in a cloth napkin and twist it closed. Wrap it in a second napkin and place it on the injured eye for 15 minutes, removing it occasionally to check swelling.
2. Examine the cornea.
Under a bright overhead light or pointing a flashlight at the injured eye, instruct the victim to look in all directions and blink repeatedly. Carefully examine the sclera (the white of the eye) and the cornea (the layer covering the pupil and iris) for any foreign material: petal shards, pieces of stem, or leaves.
3. Assemble irrigation equipment.
Obtain a clean, unused liquor spout from the bartender.
Place the pourer on a bottle of flat spring water or a bottle filled with cool tap water.
4. Irrigate the cornea.
With the victim seated and her head tilted so she is looking up at the ceiling, gently push her eyelids back and away from the cornea using your thumb and forefinger.
From a low height, delicately pour a steady stream of cool water on the eyeball. Occasionally wipe the area around the eye socket with a clean napkin.
5. Check the eye.
After a full bottle has been poured, dry the area and check the eyeball for remaining foreign material. If any material is still present, repeat irrigation with a second bottle of water.
6. Check for corneal abrasion.
Instruct the victim to look in all directions and blink repeatedly for several seconds. If she reports blurred vision, discomfort, or notes a sensation of something in her eye, a corneal abrasion may be present. Seek medical attention immediately.
