SAN FRANCISCO—Hundreds of eye injuries happen everyday, and they can happen anywhere -- even on the set of a popular television series. Such was the case with “Desperate Housewives” actress Teri Hatcher, who suffered an injury to her eye Tuesday from an exploding light bulb.

“While most eye injuries are preventable, freak accidents can happen anywhere, “said Richard Bensinger, M.D., a Seattle-area ophthalmologist. “Like any other injury, the faster you get the proper medical treatment, the better your chances of avoiding further injury. In many cases, prompt and correct treatment can mean the difference between sight and blindness.”

See below for American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations regarding different types of eye injuries, and for more information, visit the Academy’s Web site at www.aao.org/patients.

“The best way to treat eye injuries is to avoid them,” added Dr. Bensinger. “So if you are going to be in a place where you may be at risk for eye injury, take the proper steps, including wearing proper eye safety glasses or goggles that can protect your eyes.”  Situations where you may be at risk for eye injury include while you are at work or during sports or recreational activities, yard work or hobbies.

For all eye injuries

• DO NOT touch, rub or apply pressure to the eye.
• DO NOT try to remove the object stuck in the eye.
• See a doctor as soon as possible, preferably an ophthalmologist – a physician who specializes in eye care and surgery.

If your eye has been cut or punctured

• Gently place shield or cup over eye
• DO NOT rinse with water
• DO NOT remove the object stuck in eye
• DO NOT rub or apply pressure to eye
• After you have finished shielding, see a physician immediately.

If you get a particle or foreign material in your eye

• DO NOT rub the eye.
• Lift the upper eyelid over the lashes or your lower lid.
• Blink several times and allow tears to flush out the particle.
• If the particle remains, keep your eye closed and seek medical attention.