Injuries

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Question:
Do you apply a chemical ice pack to an eye injury or not?

Answer:
Cold applications to the structures around the eye may reduce pain and swelling due to injuries or some disease processes. However, before using a chemical ice pack out of the freezer, wrap it in a small wet towel so that a few layers of cloth are between the ice pack and the skin. Applying the chemical ice pack directly onto the closed eyelids could cause localized frostbite.

Answered by: Lee Duffner, MD

Categories: Eye Injuries, General Eye Health

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