What should you do if a casualty has a penetrating eye injury?

In the case of a penetrating eye injury, the recommended action is to cover both eyes immediately. The rationale behind this approach is that the human visual system is interconnected, and movement of the uninjured eye can cause additional harm or discomfort to the injured eye. This means that stabilizing the injured eye by covering both helps to minimize further damage and reduces the risk of secondary complications.

Additionally, it is often advantageous to avoid flushing the eye with water, as this may exacerbate the injury or introduce contaminants. Thus, the goal is to prevent any further irritation or damage to the fragile structures of the eye until proper medical care can be obtained.

While tactical eyewear may provide some level of protection, it is not the immediate first aid step following a penetrating eye injury. The priority is to stabilize the condition through appropriate means, which is effectively achieved by covering both eyes to prevent movement.