First Aid for a Fishhook Stuck in an Eye

Topic Overview

Fishhook injuries to the eye are rare. When they occur, they can cause a serious injury, including blindness. Prompt emergency room or ophthalmology care is needed to remove the fishhook, prevent complications, and minimize damage from the fishhook.

Do the following, and then seek emergency care:

• Do not try to remove a fishhook from an eye, eyelid, or near an eye.
• Do not put pressure on the eye.
• Cover the eye and fishhook with a metal patch, a cup, or even a paper cup.
  • Covering the eye prevents the hook from moving.
  • Be very careful not to put pressure on the hook or the eye.
• If possible, cover the uninjured eye. The injured eye will move less if the uninjured eye is covered. This may prevent further damage to the injured eye.