1. Definition
What is a chemical eye injury?
When chemicals like acids (like toilet bowl cleaner) or bases (like drain cleaner) get in the eye, they can severely harm the cornea, which is the eye's outer layer.
What are the signs?
Some chemicals (like alcohol and gasoline) only make the eye red and irritated.
2. What to do to fix it
What should I do?
If chemicals get in the eyes, wash them right away with lots of water. A strong flow of water helps remove the chemicals, preventing more damage to the eye's surface. Don't use things like vinegar. Lay your child down and keep washing their eyes with a container of warm water, or have them look up at a running tap with room temperature water. Tell your child to keep their eyes open and not blink while you wash them. Wash for about 5 minutes; if it's acid, wash for 10 minutes; if it's lye, wash for 20 minutes. If only one eye got splashed, close the other eye while you wash the hurt eye. If there are bits of stuff left in the eye, gently wipe them away with a wet cotton swab.
When should I go to the doctor?
The next best thing to do is figure out what chemicals are hurting your child's eyes. You can read the label on the product or take the product with you when you go to the doctor.
You can check how your child is doing at home after talking to a doctor. Be sure the problem isn't getting worse. If it is, go to the closest hospital emergency room right away.
If you're unsure about certain chemicals, what chemicals are hurting your child's eyes, or other signs, visit the emergency room at the nearest hospital.
If your child says they have pain, are crying, have ongoing red eye problems, or can't see well, get medical help right away, even if you think the chemical isn't very harmful.
If acid or strong base liquids get in the eye, get medical help quickly for more tests. Take your child to the closest hospital right after you try first-aid. If you think the problem or injuries are getting worse, or you can't get medical help quickly, call for an ambulance (112). If you get chemicals on you while working, learn about them and tell your doctor.
3. How to Prevent Problems
Know the chemicals you have or use often. Read the product label and the safety information (MSDS) on the label to use them safely. Follow the directions on the label. See if there are safer options, as you can often switch dangerous chemicals for safer ones. Or, find different types of the same chemicals. Many chemicals that are liquids also come as tablets or solids.
Always have safety gear ready. Replace safety glasses and face shields regularly, like every few months. Check the guide from the maker.
Don't wear contacts. Contacts can soak up chemicals and make irritation worse on your eyeballs. When handling chemicals, wear glasses and always wear special eye goggles over them.
Learn the right way to throw away chemicals.