Major Eye Problems With Chemical Burns In Your Eyes

Even in your very own home, it is possible to get toxic chemicals into your eyes by accident. Some of the household cleaners, detergents, even paint and bug spray are considered dangerous elements. These can cause chemical burns in your eyes and result in major eye injuries.

If you erred and accidentally ended up with drops of chemical powder or liquid in your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with saline or water. Be aware that chemicals like acids will create a severe burning sensation which will want you to keep your eyes closed. The problem with this is that you are allowing the chemical to stay in your eyes, and this could create graver eye problems unless flushed out.

Naturally, you will be unable to drive yourself to the nearest emergency room, but while you are waiting for someone to help you, keep flushing the eyes, for as long as it takes. You can stay under a shower, or use the shower head to flush your eyes. You can also get someone to assist you by physically opening your eyes for you.

At this point, it is vital that you disregard the pain and allow the water to gently remove any chemical drops or powder that could have entered your eyes.

The problems you may encounter with this kind of eye injury are scarring, tearing of your eyes, damage to either the surface of your eyes, and maybe even partial or total loss of vision.

As soon as you can see an eye doctor, do it. The usual procedure for eye treatment for chemical burns would be to put anesthesia to help with the pain and allow the eyes to remain open.

Irrigation of the eyes could take as long as 2 hours, if necessary. When the eye doctor is certain that water will no longer help, he will do an eye exam, both the outer visible eye, the eyelid, and the inside of your eyelid. The objective here is to remove any substance that held on even with irrigation.

Eye treatment may also include drops to stop the spasms and an antibiotic to treat any burns. A pain reliever can also be prescribed to help deal with the discomfort and pain.

The major issue with chemical burns to the eye is blindness. This is why time is of the essence. Medical attention and an extensive eye exam should be administered within 24 hours of the accident or risk complications like deformities and blindness.

After the initial eye treatment, you should have regular check ups and doctor visits to monitor your healing progress.

Eye injuries because of chemicals is a preventable situation if you keep all toxic substances away from the reach of children, and by using protection when handling these items. Better yet, it might be a good idea to look for alternative natural “green” products instead of buying the highly poisonous and dangerous traditional household cleaning agents and sprays.