First Aid for Eye Splash
The eyes are sensitive and can get hurt easily, especially when chemicals are involved. Both liquids and powders can harm the eye, even though the eyelids usually close quickly to protect it. Harmful substances like strong acids or alkalis can cause irritation, burns, blurred vision, or even vision loss.
Alkali chemicals, such as those in oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and some fertilizers, usually cause more harm than acids. If a chemical gets into the eye, act quickly. Seek medical care right away to reduce the risk of lasting harm.
First Aid Steps to Follow Immediately
Acting quickly and calmly can make a major difference in preventing long-term damage. Here are the immediate steps you should take if someone has a chemical splash in the eye:
- Stay Calm and Act Fast: Time is critical. Begin flushing the eye with clean water right away.
- Remove Contact Lenses if Present: If the person is wearing contact lenses and they do not come out during rinsing, try to gently remove them after a brief initial flush. This helps prevent the lens from holding chemicals against the eye surface.
- Flush the Eye Continuously with Water:
- Use clean, lukewarm water. Tap water, bottled water, or a sterile eye wash can work.
- Hold the eye open with clean fingers and direct a gentle stream of water across the eye.
- Flush for at least 15 to 20 minutes, even if the person feels better.
- If both eyes are affected, you may need to help the person lie back and pour water over the eyes.
- Avoid Rubbing or Touching the Eye: Rubbing can spread the chemical and make damage worse.
- Do Not Use Any Eye Drops Unless Advised: Only use plain water or saline to rinse. Other drops may react with the chemical and worsen the injury.
- Seek Medical Care Immediately: After rinsing, visit a healthcare provider or emergency room without delay. If possible, bring the container or label of the chemical for quick identification.
Substances That Commonly Cause Eye Injuries
Many common household and workplace chemicals can damage the eyes. Here are a few examples:
| Chemical Type | Examples | Possible Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Alkalis | Drain cleaners, ammonia, fertilizers | Deep tissue damage, can penetrate quickly |
| Acids | Battery acid, vinegar, toilet bowl cleaners | Surface burns, redness, pain |
| Solvents | Paint thinner, nail polish remover | Irritation, blurred vision, redness |
| Detergents | Dishwasher pods, bleach, soaps | Burning, stinging, tearing |
| Aerosols | Hair spray, disinfectant sprays | Eye irritation, blurry vision |
Even milder substances like lemon juice, perfumes, or makeup removers can irritate the eyes. Some chemicals may cause delayed symptoms, so it’s still important to flush and get checked.
Signs of Chemical Eye Injury
Injuries can range from mild to severe, and symptoms may include:
- Immediate burning or stinging.
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids.
- Blurred vision or difficulty seeing.
- Tearing or discharge.
- Feeling like there is something in the eye.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Severe pain or inability to open the eye.
If vision is affected, pain is severe, or symptoms worsen over time, seek care without delay. Eye injuries can sometimes lead to scarring or permanent vision changes if not treated properly.
Do’s and Don’ts for Eye Chemical Exposure
Do
- Flush the eye right away and continuously.
- Use clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline.
- Keep the eye open while rinsing.
- Get emergency care.
- Bring the chemical label or name to the doctor.
Don’t
- Wait to see if it gets better.
- Rub the eye.
- Use any medication without medical advice.
- Delay flushing in order to call for help first—flush while someone else calls if possible.
How Doctors Treat Chemical Eye Injuries
After first aid, medical professionals will examine the eye and determine how serious the injury is. They may:
- Use numbing drops to ease pain.
- Measure the pH of the eye to check if flushing was effective.
- Use a special dye and blue light to check for surface damage.
- Prescribe antibiotic drops or ointments to prevent infection.
- Recommend artificial tears or soothing drops for irritation.
- In serious cases, refer to an eye specialist or perform more treatments.
Preventing Chemical Eye Injuries
You can lower the risk of chemical eye exposure by:
- Wearing safety goggles when using chemicals at work or home.
- Reading product labels and following usage instructions carefully.
- Keeping cleaning supplies, solvents, and sprays away from children.
- Storing chemicals in their original containers with clear labels.
- Avoiding mixing cleaning products, which can produce harmful vapors.
For contact lens wearers, always wash hands before touching your eyes. Avoid using sprays or applying products near your face when lenses are in.
