Chemical Eye Burns: Everything You Need to Know | Aqualens

Chemical eye burns can occur when a hazardous substance comes into contact with the eyes. These substances can be acids, alkalis, or other corrosive materials. Chemical eye burns can be caused by a variety of accidents, both at home and in the workplace.

Even the smallest amount of a chemical in the eye can cause serious damage, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience a chemical eye burn. With prompt treatment, most people make a full recovery, but some may experience permanent vision loss.

Causes and Sources of Chemical Eye Burns

Chemical eye burns can be caused by a variety of accidents, both at home and in the workplace. Some of the most common causes include:

• Household chemicals: Common household chemicals that can cause eye burns include bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners, and oven cleaners.
• Workplace chemicals: Workplace chemicals that can cause eye burns include acids, alkalis, solvents, and pesticides.
• Other sources: Chemical eye burns can also be caused by car battery acid, pool chemicals, and fireworks.

Types of Chemicals Causing Eye Burns

Chemicals that can cause eye burns can be divided into two main categories: acids and alkalis.

• Acids: Acids are corrosive substances that can damage the cornea and other tissues in the eye. Examples of acids that can cause eye burns include sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid.
• Alkalis: Alkalis are corrosive substances that can cause severe damage to the eye, including blindness. Examples of alkalis that can cause eye burns include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonia.

Symptoms of Chemical Eye Burns

The symptoms of a chemical eye burn can vary depending on the severity of the burn and the type of chemical involved. However, some common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tearing
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Burning sensation
• Foreign body sensation
• Eyelid spasms

Immediate First Aid for Chemical Eye Burns

If you experience a chemical eye burn, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. However, there are some things you can do in the meantime to minimize the damage:

1. Rinse the eye immediately with clean water. Use a gentle stream of water to rinse the chemical out of the eye for at least 15 minutes.
2. Hold the eye open while rinsing. This will help to ensure that all of the chemical is removed.
3. Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye can spread the chemical and cause further damage.
4. Remove contact lenses if you are wearing them. Contact lenses can trap the chemical against the eye and worsen the burn.
5. Cover the eye with a loose bandage. This will help to protect the eye from further irritation.

What NOT to Do After a Chemical Eye Burn

There are some things you should NOT do after a chemical eye burn, as they can worsen the injury:

• Do not rub the eye.
• Do not use oil or ointments in the eye.
• Do not apply pressure to the eye.
• Do not take any pain relievers without talking to a doctor

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

You should seek professional medical attention immediately if you experience a chemical eye burn, regardless of the severity of the burn. A doctor can assess the damage and provide the necessary treatment to prevent further complications.

Long-Term Effects of Chemical Eye Burns

The long-term effects of a chemical eye burn will vary depending on the severity of the burn and the type of chemical involved. However, some possible long-term effects include:

• Vision loss
• Corneal scarring
• Dry eyes
• Eyelid deformities
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

Rehabilitation and Recovery Options

The goal of rehabilitation and recovery after a chemical eye burn is to restore vision and function to the eye. This may involve a variety of treatments, including:

• Medication: Medication may be used to control pain and inflammation, reduce infection, and promote healing.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the cornea, eyelids, or other parts of the eye.
• Vision therapy: Vision therapy can help to improve vision and eye function after a chemical eye burn.

Preventing Chemical Eye Burns

Chemical eye burns are preventable. By taking the following safety precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious injury:

• Wear safety goggles or a face shield when handling chemicals. This is the most important safety precaution you can take. Safety goggles and face shields protect your eyes from splashes and fumes.
• Read and follow the instructions on the chemical label carefully. This will help you understand how to handle the chemical safely and what to do in case of an accident.
• Mix chemicals in a well-ventilated area. This will help to prevent the accumulation of harmful fumes.
• Keep chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
• Store chemicals in their original containers. This will help to prevent confusion and accidents.
• Dispose of chemicals properly. Check with your local waste management authority for instructions on how to dispose of chemicals safely.

Here are some additional tips for preventing chemical eye burns at home and in the workplace:

At home:

• Be careful when using household chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners. These chemicals can be very dangerous if they get into your eyes.
• When cleaning, wear safety goggles and gloves, especially if you are using harsh chemicals.
• Store chemicals in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach them.
• Label all chemical containers clearly.

In the workplace:

• Employers should provide employees with the proper safety equipment, such as safety goggles and face shields, when working with chemicals.
• Employees should be trained on how to handle chemicals safely and what to do in case of an accident.
• Employers should have an emergency response plan in place for chemical exposure emergencies.

By following these simple safety precautions, you can help to prevent chemical eye burns and protect your vision.

Contact Lenses and Chemical Exposure

Contact lenses can be a convenient way to correct vision but can also increase the risk of eye infection and injury. If you wear contact lenses, it is important to take extra precautions when working with chemicals or in environments where there is a risk of chemical exposure.

How to Safely Use Contact Lenses When Working with Chemicals

If you wear contact lenses and work with chemicals, it is important to take the following precautions:

• Wear safety goggles over your contact lenses. This will help to protect your eyes from chemical splashes and fumes.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before putting on or taking off your contact lenses. This will help to prevent the spread of chemicals to your eyes.
• Take breaks to remove and clean your contact lenses throughout the day. This will help to remove any chemicals that may have accumulated on the lenses.
• If you experience any eye discomfort, remove your contact lenses immediately and rinse your eyes with clean water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Treatment and Recovery with Contact Lenses

If you experience a chemical eye burn while wearing contact lenses, removing the lenses immediately and rinsing your eyes with clean water is important. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Contact lenses can be used to help protect the eye during the healing process of a chemical eye burn. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe special contact lenses called therapeutic contact lenses. Therapeutic contact lenses are designed to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation.

Eye Safety Education

It is important to raise awareness about chemical eye burns and promote eye safety in schools, workplaces, and communities. Here are some tips:

• Teach children about the dangers of chemicals and the importance of eye safety.
• Provide training to employees on eye safety procedures and how to handle chemicals safely.
• Develop emergency response plans for chemical exposure emergencies.
• Make sure that workplaces have adequate eye safety equipment available, such as safety goggles and face shields.

Conclusion

Chemical eye burns can be devastating, but with prompt treatment and proper care, most people make a full recovery. It is important to take safety precautions when handling chemicals and to seek medical attention immediately if you experience a chemical eye burn.

Aqualens contact lenses are a good option for people as they are soft, comfortable, and highly breathable. They also have a high water content, which helps to flush out any chemicals that may have accumulated on the lenses.

If you are a victim of a chemical eye burn, there are a number of organizations that can provide you with resources and support. You are not alone.