Health Topics for Prepare for Emergencies

Department of Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center

Chemicals in the eyes

Every year, thousands of eye injuries are caused by general-purpose cleaning products, such as bleaches, detergents, oven cleaners, and drain cleaner. These products can cause loss of vision if splashed into the eyes and painful burns to the eye and to the skin around the eye.

Chemicals in the eyes can cause severe pain. Start first aid measures quickly to minimize the risk of permanent injury or loss of sight. Emergency treatment for chemical burns in the eyes includes:

• rinse the eyes immediately with gently flowing water for at least 20 minutes (Rinse right over contact lenses, do not remove them. Hold the victim's head under the faucet or pour cool to lukewarm water into the eye.)
• after a few minutes, begin to rinse the unaffected eye, because the rinsing process could wash some of the chemical into the unaffected eye
• consider standing in a shower while rinsing the eyes, especially with children (Do not take time to remove any clothes.)
• be firm with children and rinse for at least 20 minutes before doing anything else (It can be very difficult to rinse the eyes of a small child, because the child will struggle violently.)
• after 20 minutes of rinsing, call the Poison Control Center for advice (Know the name of the chemical so you can report exactly what was splashed into the eye. An eye exam by an emergency physician or ophthalmologist will often be recommended.)

Some safety precautions that help to prevent chemical burns of the eyes are to:

• always read instructions and labels carefully
• always work in a well-ventilated area
• always make sure spray nozzles are pointed away from you before spraying
• always wear eye protection when working around chemicals (Goggles or a face shield that includes side splash guards work the best.)
• avoid situations where chemicals are under pressure (such as in a hose that could break loose)
• always consider using less hazardous products where possible and
• wash your hands thoroughly when you are finished using the chemical and before you touch your face or eyes

Yes, wearing regular eyeglasses is better than not having any eye protection at all, but chemicals can easily splash into the eye from above, below, or the side and still cause severe burns.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREP4905.RF2 VRS# 4905 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.