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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

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Chemical Eye Burn Treatment

1. Flush the Eye

  • Have the person put the eye or eyes under a faucet, shower, or clean container of water.
  • Flush with lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes. The person should keep the eye open as wide as possible.
  • Flush the eye to remove contact lenses. Do not try to remove them with hands.
  • Do not place a bandage over the eye.

 

2. Get Help Immediately

  • Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222or the emergency number on the container if you have it.
  • Poison control will advise at-home treatment and may recommend seeing a health care provider.

 

3. Follow Up

  • If you seek medical care, the health care provider will continue flushing the eye with saline solution, checking periodically until pH is normal.
  • The health care provider may place anesthetic drugs in the eye to decrease discomfort with flushing.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on November 22, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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