CHEMICAL SPLASH TO EYE
CHEMICAL SPLASH
Chemical
splash in the eye: First aid
If
a chemical splashes into your eye, take these steps immediately:
-
Flush
your eye with water. Use clean, lukewarm tap water for at least
20 minutes, and use whichever of these approaches is quickest:
-
Get
into the shower and aim a gentle stream of lukewarm water on the
forehead over the affected eye. Or, aim the stream on the bridge of
the nose if both eyes are affected.
-
Or, put
your head down and turn it to the side. Then hold your
affected eye open under a gently running tap of water.
-
Young
children may do best if they lie down in the bathtub or lean back
over a sink while you pour a gentle
stream of water on the forehead over the affected eye or on the
bridge of the nose for both eyes. Remember to flush for at least 20
minutes no matter which method you choose.
-
 Wash
your hands with soap and water.
Thoroughly rinse your hands to be sure no chemical or soap
is left on them. Your first goal is to get the chemical off
the surface of your eye, but then you need to make sure to
remove the chemical from your hands.
-
Remove contact lenses.
If they didn't come out during the flush, then take them
out.
Caution:
-
Don't
rub the eye — this may cause further damage.
-
Don't
put anything except water or contact lens saline rinse in the eye, and
don't use eyedrops unless emergency personnel tell you to do so.
Seek
emergency medical assistance
After following the above steps, seek emergency care or, if necessary, call
0-0-0 or your local emergency number. Take the chemical container or the name
of the chemical with you to the emergency department. If readily available,
wear sunglasses because your eyes will be sensitive to light.
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