Eye Injury Due To Chemical Substances

1. Definition

What is an eye injury due to chemicals?

Splashes of chemicals, such as acidic liquids (for example, toilet cleaners) and alkalis (canal cleaners) that are affected by the eye will cause severe damage to the cornea, the outer membrane of the eye.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Chemicals (such as alcohol and hydrocarbons) only cause redness and irritation.

2. How to overcome it

What should I do?

Rinse eyes immediately splashed with chemicals with running water. Heavy flow of water will wash chemicals out of the eye so as not to injure the cornea further. Don’t use bidders like vinegar. Lay your child and don’t stop rinsing his eyes using a dipper of warm water, or ask him to look up under the water tap and turn on the tap at room temperature. Ask your child to keep his eyes open and don’t blink during flushing. Rinse for about 5 minutes; for acidic liquids, do it for 10 minutes; lye, 20 minutes. If only one eye is splashed, close the other eye while you rinse the injured eye. If there are particles left in the eye, you can wipe them off with a moistened cotton bud.

When should I see a doctor?

The best step you should take next is to find out what types of chemicals are injuring your child’s eyes. You can read the product label or bring the product during a doctor’s visit.

If the substance is irritating to the eye (with a neutral pH level) and the symptoms shown are not so severe, or even not visible at all, you can monitor your child’s development at home after consulting a doctor. Make sure the irritation is not getting worse. If this happens, immediately visit the nearest hospital emergency room.

If you have questions about certain chemicals, or don’t know what chemicals are injuring your child’s eyes, or other symptoms, visit the emergency room at the nearest hospital.

When your child complains of pain, tears, red irritation that does not go away, or loss of vision, immediately contact medical help, including if you already know the chemical actually does not cause severe irritation.

Eye irritation due to acidic or alkaline fluids requires immediate medical attention and further examination. Take your child to the nearest hospital immediately after the first-aid attempt. If you suspect that irritation or other injuries have worsened, or you cannot go immediately to seek medical help, call an ambulance (112). If you get a chemical splash while working, find out about it and tell your doctor.

3. Prevention

Understand the chemicals around you or that you use frequently. Check and examine the product label and the Safety Warning (MSDS) listed on the label for safe use. Comply with the instruction method as instructed in the label. Look for other alternatives, because hazardous chemicals can sometimes be replaced with other safer products. Or, look for alternative forms of these chemicals. Many liquid chemicals are also available in other versions (tablets or solid granules).

Always provide safety equipment. Safety glasses and face shields must be replaced every few months. Check the manufacturing guide.

Do not use contact lenses. Contact lenses can absorb chemicals and concentrate irritation on the surface of the eyeball. When working with chemicals, use glasses and always use special eye protection goggles on it.

Learn how to get rid of chemicals safely.