Eye Splash Procedures

Health care professionals are susceptible to chemical eye splash more than any other group. Doctors and nurses are trained to know what to do. But if you're not in the health care field, it's still important to familiarize yourself with the procedures for treatment in the event your eyes are threatened with a toxic splash. A few seconds can make the difference between blindness and seeing. Fast action is key. It's not complicated. Doctors recommended a few short steps in eye-splash first aid.

Water Flush

• According to MayoClinic.com, if you suspect a toxic chemical has gotten into one or both eyes of your eyes, you'll need to get yourself to a source of clean lukewarm water as quickly as you can and douse your eye (or eyes) for 20 minutes. If you're near a shower, that's the best option. Train the flowing water just above the eye, onto your forehead, so that the stream runs down into your open eye. If both eyes are involved, direct the water toward the bridge of your nose. If you're using a faucet, position your head under it while turning your head sideways, and let the water flow lightly into your eye. For children, the bathtub is a good option. They can lie down under the faucet with the water directed as described above.

Hand Washing and Lens Removal

• It's very important that you thoroughly wash and rinse your hands so that absolutely none of the chemical remains. Be sure whatever soap you use is completely rinsed as well. Although getting the chemical off of your hands is critical, your first order of business is flushing your eye to save your eye from damage. Then, secondarily, expunge the chemical from your hands. Also, if you're wearing contact lenses and they don't wash out during the flushing procedure, be sure to manually remove them.

Caution

• Whatever you do, avoid rubbing your eyes. This can cause additional harm. Eye drops should never be given unless an emergency technician specifically tells you it's OK, and refrain from putting any other kind of liquid in the eye. Remember to administer only water or the saline solution used for contact lenses. Get emergency help only after you follow the first aid steps. Call 911 if the situation warrants it. When you go to the emergency room, bring the vessel the chemical came in or simply make sure you know the name of the chemical. Finally, grab some sunglasses if it's daytime and the sun is shining. Your eyes will react to the light.