Home > Medical > First aid > Burns 29 June 2005 Chemical burns of the eye Chemicals which accidentally splash into the eye may rapidly harm its delicate surfaces and need prompt treatment. 0 Pin It Assess Am I at risk of a stroke? » Join Parenting Forum » Ask CyberDoc » Quiz Would you survive disaster? » Breathe for me Become an organ donor 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. 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. More in Medical Chemical burns on the skin More: First aidBurns advertisement Get a quote Selfmed - the one with the apple Momentum - save up to 35% on healthcare Medihelp - quality, affordable medical scheme cover advertisement Read Health24’s Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Add your comment Thank you, your comment has been submitted. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... Other news Diet and nutrition Diet drinks 'as bad as meth addiction' Diet and nutrition Purple tomatoes more ‘tasty and healthy’ Medical Type 2 diabetes progresses faster in kids Mental health The science behind the itch Fitness Exercise should be core subject at school Medical Losing weight may ease heartburn From our sponsors Hill's Science Plan Canine Mini range What is Diabetic Neuropathy? There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available Live healthier Be vitamin-smart » A-Z of vitamins What is vitamin C? Ask the expert Why we need vitamin D Even in a country with an abundance of sunlight you might have a vitamin D deficiency. Here's why. Beat acne » Stars with scars Acne tips Skincare Myths about acne Through the ages, there have been many myths about acne. We list the myths and give you the facts.
0 Pin It Assess Am I at risk of a stroke? » Join Parenting Forum » Ask CyberDoc » Quiz Would you survive disaster? » Breathe for me Become an organ donor 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. 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. More in Medical Chemical burns on the skin More: First aidBurns