What should you do if a chemical splash to the eye occurs?

What should you do if a chemical splash to the eye occurs?

• A. Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes
• B. Remove contact lenses if present
• C. Seek medical care immediately without rinsing
• D. Rub the eye to remove chemical

Answer: (A)

When a chemical gets into the eye, the most important step is to start flushing with clean water right away and keep it up for at least 15 minutes. This irrigation dilutes and washes out the chemical, reducing damage to eye tissues. While you flush, hold the eyelids open and let water flow from the inner corner toward the outer edge to rinse all surfaces. If contact lenses are present and can be removed quickly without delaying the rinse, you may take them out, but priority is to complete the full 15-minute rinse. Do not rub the eye, as that can cause further irritation or injury. After rinsing, seek medical care promptly, especially if pain, vision changes, or chemical exposure was strong or unknown.

When a chemical gets into the eye, the most important step is to start flushing with clean water right away and keep it up for at least 15 minutes. This irrigation dilutes and washes out the chemical, reducing damage to eye tissues.

While you flush, hold the eyelids open and let water flow from the inner corner toward the outer edge to rinse all surfaces. If contact lenses are present and can be removed quickly without delaying the rinse, you may take them out, but priority is to complete the full 15-minute rinse. Do not rub the eye, as that can cause further irritation or injury.

After rinsing, seek medical care promptly, especially if pain, vision changes, or chemical exposure was strong or unknown.