First Aid For A Chemical Splash In The Eye

By Matt Unangst, 04 Feb 13:01

Getting chemicals in your eye is extremely dangerous. You should take emergency measures immediately after the chemicals get in your eye.

Begin by flushing your eyes with water for at least 20 minutes. Use clean, lukewarm water to do the flushing. Get the water into your eyes by the quickest means possible. If you are in or near the bathroom, stand in the shower and aim the showerhead on your forehead so that the water runs down into your eye. If you use a sink as your water source, hold your head to the side under the faucet, making sure to keep your eye open. You need not use much water pressure to clean your eye.

Small children will require assistance to flush their eyes. It often works best for a child to lay on his/her back in the bathtub or lean back over a sink while someone else gently pours water over the forehead or bridge of the nose.

After flushing, wash your hands with soap and warm water, being certain to leave no soap or chemicals on your hands. You don’t want to get the chemical back into your eye with your hands. If you wear contacts, you will next want to remove them from your eyes if they did not come out while flushing.

Whatever you do, don’t rub your eye after getting chemicals in it, as this can cause further damage. Don’t put anything besides water or contact lens rinse in your eye, including eye drops, since other substances also have the potential for damage.

Get to a hospital or call 911 after thoroughly cleaning your eye and hands. Take the container the chemical came in or the name of the chemical with you when you go to the emergency room. Your eyes will be sensitive, so wear sunglasses on your trip.

Tags: chemical, first aid, poison control center, eye, burn, flush