A splash of cleaning liquid, industrial chemical or another irritant into the eye can trigger an instinctive reaction which is to close the eye, rub it and try to work out what to do next.
With a chemical eye burn, however, the first few minutes are better spent on one priority, removing the chemical from the eye as quickly as possible.
Key takeaways
- Start rinsing the affected eye immediately with plenty of clean, gently running water.
- Keep the eyelids open during irrigation so water can reach the surfaces of the eye.
- Remove contact lenses if they come out easily during rinsing, but do not delay irrigation to search for them.
- Do not rub the eye or attempt to neutralise the chemical with another substance.
- Even if the eye feels better after rinsing, prompt medical assessment is important because the extent of injury may not be obvious initially.
What should you do immediately after a chemical enters your eye?
Do not wait until you reach a trauma centre before starting first aid. If a chemical has splashed into the eye, begin flushing it with clean, gently running water as soon as possible.
Hold the eyelids open and allow the water to flow over the eye. Try to blink repeatedly while rinsing. If both eyes are affected, rinse both.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them if they come out easily during irrigation. Do not spend valuable time trying to remove a lens before flushing the eye.
The aim is simple, to dilute and wash away the chemical rather than allowing it to remain in contact with the eye.
What if the chemical was a powder?
Dry chemicals can behave differently from liquids. If a visible dry chemical or powder is sitting around the eye, gently brush away loose particles without rubbing the eye. Once loose material has been removed, begin irrigation.
Avoid pressing or scrubbing the eye, as this may cause additional irritation.
What should you avoid doing?
When something burns the eye, it can be tempting to try another substance to counteract it. This is not advisable.
You should avoid,
- Rubbing or pressing the affected eye
- Putting eye drops into the eye unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional
- Trying to neutralise an acid with an alkaline substance, or vice versa
- Delaying irrigation while looking for medication or waiting for someone to take you to hospital
- Driving yourself if your vision is significantly affected
If possible, keep the chemical container, label or product information available for the medical team. Knowing what substance was involved can help clinicians assess the injury.
Why can an eye that feels better still need assessment?
Pain and irritation may lessen after thorough rinsing, but that does not necessarily tell you how much damage has occurred. The severity of a chemical injury can depend on the substance involved, its concentration and how long it remained in contact with the eye.
A healthcare professional may need to examine the eye carefully to assess the cornea and other structures and determine whether further treatment or monitoring is needed. This is also why first aid should not be viewed as a substitute for medical assessment.
When should you seek urgent medical attention?
A chemical exposure to the eye warrants prompt medical attention, particularly if there is,
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Significant or persistent eye pain
- Marked redness or swelling
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty opening the eye
- A sensation that something remains in the eye
- Exposure to a strong or unknown chemical
Continue rinsing while arranging medical care where possible, unless a healthcare professional gives different instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled water to rinse a chemical eye burn?
If clean running water is not immediately available, bottled drinking water can be used for irrigation. The priority is to start flushing rather than waiting for a particular type of water.
Should I keep the affected eye closed after rinsing?
There is no need to deliberately keep it tightly closed. Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye and follow the instructions given by the healthcare team.
What if I do not know which chemical entered my eye?
Start rinsing immediately rather than waiting to identify it. Take the product container or label with you if you can obtain it safely.
If my vision returns to normal after rinsing, do I still need a check-up?
It is sensible to seek medical assessment after a significant chemical exposure, even if symptoms improve. A clinical examination can help determine whether there is any injury that is not obvious to you.
Book a consultation as the next step for your eye health
Chemical eye injuries are situations where first aid and timely assessment go hand in hand. If you have experienced a chemical exposure, continue appropriate first aid while arranging urgent medical care rather than relying on symptoms alone.
For a prompt assessment of an eye injury in Singapore, you may consult the London Eye & Retina Specialist Centre with Dr James Ng Kin Wah. The appropriate next step will depend on the nature and severity of the eye injury identified during assessment.
