Chemical burns
Chemicals which accidentally splash into the eye, may rapidly harm its delicate surfaces. Many household products, such as detergents and bleach, may cause serious damage if not treated promptly.
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Home treatment
No time must be lost in washing out any chemicals. Place the eye directly under a gently running stream of water from a tap or shower, positioning the head so that contaminated water does not run into the other eye or down the face. You could also immerse the face in a bowl or sink of water. Rinse the eye thoroughly by moving the eye in all directions. Open the eyelids with your fingers to ensure that the water gets to all parts of the eye.
If the person is wearing contact lenses, do not try to remove the lens. Flush the eye out first.
If the burning sensation is severe or if a strong chemical such as an acid or alkali is involved, continue flushing with clean water for at least 20 minutes. Alkalis, which penetrate the eye and do the most damage, are slowly drawn out through the surface only by prolonged flushing.
See your doctor if:
The burning sensation is not relieved within 30 minutes.
An acid or alkali was involved.
The eye remains red or continues to water after a few hours.
There is blurring of vision or the eye becomes sensitive to light.
Foreign object in the eye
Minor objects
Occasionally, a speck of dirt, eyelash or other small object gets into the eye and causes irritation. Tears usually wash out the object but it may also cause a minor scratch of the surface of the eye, which usually heals on its own within 24 hours. A scratch feels very similar to a foreign body in the eye, even when it is no longer present.
Home treatment for minor objects in the eye
Don’t rub the eye. It may cause further scratching.
First, pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid. Repeat a few times.
If this does not work, flush the eye with clean water or artificial teardrops.
If this still does not work, and you can see the object floating freely on the white of the eye, or if the object is in the corner of the eye or on the inside of the lower lid, you may carefully try to remove it. Wet the tip of a cotton bud, a twisted piece of cotton swab or tissue with water (not saliva), and gently try to touch the object with the tip. It should cling to the moistened tip. Never use hard items such as needles or toothpicks. Do not try to remove an object which is embedded or seen to be in front of the coloured part of the eye.
If you are successful in removing the object, gently flush the eye again.
If you are not successful, cover the eye with a clean pad and see your doctor.
See your doctor if:
The object is embedded in the white of the eye or situated in the cornea (in front of the pupil or iris) or if you are unable to remove it easily.
The scratching sensation continues for more than a few hours.
You have severe or persistent pain.
Your vision is affected or you become sensitive to light.
Large object stuck in the eye
If an object, such as a piece of glass, twig or stone chip has entered the eye, do not attempt to remove it. Keep the eyes absolutely still. Cover both eyes with a paper cup or other clean object that will not come into contact with the eye as both eyes move simultaneously, and go to the nearest hospital immediately.
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