Final answer:
For treating an eye injury, a cloth should be placed between the ice pack and the skin, and ice should be applied for 20 minutes at intervals, not continuously for 30 minutes or more. Chemical cold packs are also an option, offering quick cooling through an endothermic reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Instructions for Using Ice Packs for Eye Injuries
When utilizing ice packs to treat an eye injury, it's crucial not to place the ice pack directly on the skin. Instead, a cloth or thin barrier should be placed between the ice pack and the skin to avoid frostbite and skin damage. It's also essential to note that the ice pack should be used in intervals - applying ice for 20 minutes at a time every two hours - as continuous exposure can lead to tissue damage. Using a heating pad may be beneficial during physical therapy, but it is not recommended for acute injuries or initial treatment due to the risk of increasing swelling. The option to use a chemical cold pack, which works through an endothermic reaction, could also be considered. This type of pack cools quickly when a seal within it is broken, mixing water with a chemical like ammonium nitrate, removing thermal energy from the area of injury and reducing pain and swelling.