What to Do for Chlorine-Burned Eyes

Chlorine is a gas with a potent odor that is used to purify and disinfect water. Exposure to chlorine can happen in a number of ways, most commonly through contact with chlorine-treated drinking water, swimming pools or soil. Exposure can produce breathing difficulties and rashes or burning when the gas comes in contact with the skin or eyes. If your eyes are burning after chlorine exposure, quickly find the closest source of clean water.

Things You'll Need

• Sink or water fountain

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Remove contacts from your eyes immediately if they are in your eyes during chlorine exposure. If you wear eyeglasses, remove those as well.

• 2

  Go to a sink or water fountain and rinse your eyes with lukewarm water. Continue rinsing for 15 minutes. If the first 15 minutes of rinsing does not bring relief, continue applying lukewarm water to your eyes for an additional 15 minutes.

• 3

  Lift your eyelids during rinsing to flush out your entire eye. Discontinue rinsing after a maximum of 30 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately if the water fails to relieve your burning eyes or if you have blurred vision.