As parents, keeping your child safe is the most important thing. Kids are naturally curious and might accidentally get things like chlorine, makeup, sunscreen, or household cleaners in their eyes. It’s crucial to know how to handle minor chemical eye injuries and when to seek professional help. Even if the chemical seems harmless, it’s always best to call an eye doctor nearby and get advice based on the symptoms and the specific chemical involved.

Recognizing Eye Irritation Symptoms

Signs of Mild Chemical Eye Irritation

• Mild redness or pinkness in the eye
• Slight discomfort or itching
• Watery eyes
• Temporary blurry vision that clears after blinking

What to Do:

• Keep an Eye on Symptoms: Watch for any worsening signs.
• Flush the Eyes: Gently rinse the eyes with saline solution or clean water.

When Is Chemical Eye Irritation an Emergency?

Here are the key indicators that the chemical exposure may indicate a more serious eye injury than just irritation:

• Persistent pain that doesn’t go away after rinsing
• Blurred vision or trouble focusing
• Sensitivity to light
• Yellow or green discharge, which might indicate an infection
• Feeling like something is still in the eye after rinsing

At Insight Vision Center Optometry, our eye doctors specialize in advanced eye care including emergency eye care. With years of experience in treating urgent eye conditions, our team is dedicated to offering same day emergency appointments and expert care to protect your vision during emergencies.

If you notice any serious symptoms after a chemical gets in the eye, call us right after flushing the eye.

First Aid Steps for Chemical Eye Irritation

• Seek Professional Help: Get medical care if symptoms persist or if the exposure was serious.
• Stay Calm: Your calmness will help keep your child calm.
• Rinse Immediately: Use saline solution or clean, lukewarm water. Continue rinsing for at least 20 minutes.
• Positioning: For small children, wrap them in a towel to prevent arm movement. Have the child lie down or tilt their head over a sink.
• Don’t Rub the Eyes: Encourage your child not to rub their eyes.
• Remove Contact Lenses: If your child wears them, remove them after starting to rinse.
• Avoid Home Remedies: Don’t use ointments or drops unless prescribed by a doctor.

Distinguishing Harmless from Harmful Chemicals

Not all chemical exposures to the eye result in emergencies. Many everyday products are generally harmless to the eyes, especially when any accidental contact is promptly addressed. Recognizing these substances and understanding their potential effects can help you manage minor incidents confidently and effectively.

Common Examples of Generally Harmless Chemicals

Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer): Often harmless but can occasionally cause superficial corneal burns; monitor symptoms closely, if symptoms persist or the exposure seems more severe treat as a serious eye emergency. 

Personal Care Products:

• Bubble Bath and Soaps: Mild formulations designed for skin can cause temporary stinging but are usually harmless.
• Shampoo and Hair Conditioner: May cause irritation if they get into the eyes but typically do not cause damage.
• Hand Lotions and Shaving Cream: Generally safe but can cause slight discomfort upon contact with the eyes.
• Toothpaste: Can irritate the eye surface but doesn’t lead to serious injury.
• Cosmetics: Products like makeup and deodorant are safe when used properly and kept out of the eyes.

Household Items:

• Glow Stick Liquid: Contains non-toxic chemicals that may cause mild irritation.
• Hair Spray: Can cause stinging and temporary discomfort.
• Liquid Medicines: If designed for oral use, accidental eye contact usually results in minor irritation.
• Sunscreen: While it can cause burning sensations, prompt rinsing reduces the risk of harm.
• Swimming Pool Water: Chlorinated water may irritate but is not harmful with proper eye flushing.

Common Liquids:

• Hydrogen Peroxide (Household Concentration): May cause stinging but is generally harmless when promptly rinsed out.
• Ethyl Alcohol and Gasoline: Can irritate the eyes; immediate rinsing is essential.
• Vinegar: Its acidity can cause discomfort, but with quick flushing, it doesn’t typically cause damage.

Possible Symptoms from Exposure

Prompt Rinsing:

• Act Quickly: As soon as possible, gently flush the affected eye with clean, lukewarm water.
• Duration: Continue rinsing for at least 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the irritant is thoroughly washed out.
• Technique: Tilt your child’s head so the affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye to prevent cross-contamination.

Avoid Rubbing:

• Hands Off: Encourage your child not to rub their eyes, as this can worsen irritation or cause scratches on the eye’s surface.

Monitor Symptoms:

• Observe Carefully: Keep an eye on your child’s symptoms. In most cases, discomfort should begin to improve shortly after rinsing.
• Use Artificial Tears: If mild discomfort persists, over-the-counter artificial tear drops can help soothe the eye.

When to Seek Further Care

• Persistent Symptoms:
  • If redness, irritation, or discomfort continues beyond a couple of hours despite rinsing.
• Vision Changes:
  • Any reports of blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or changes in sight warrant professional evaluation.
• Increased Pain:
  • If your child experiences escalating pain or new symptoms develop.
• Corneal Concerns with Rubbing Alcohol:
  • If rubbing alcohol gets into the eye and symptoms persist after flushing, visit the emergency room, as it can occasionally cause a superficial corneal burn.

Insight Vision Center Optometry provides emergency eye care to Costa Mesa and the surrounding areas, including Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Santa Ana.

Potentially Harmful Chemicals

Examples:

• Acids: Drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers
• Alkalis: Oven cleaners, industrial cleaners, lye, lime
• Strong Irritants: Bleach, ammonia, dishwasher detergents

Symptoms:

• Severe pain and burning
• Persistent redness and tearing
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Sensation of something in the eye
• Swelling around the eye

Immediate Actions:

1. Emergency Flushing: Rinse the eye continuously with water for at least 20 minutes.
2. Do Not Delay: Seek emergency medical care immediately after flushing.
3. Avoid Home Remedies: Do not use eye drops unless prescribed.

Important Note: Time is critical with chemical exposures. Immediate and prolonged flushing can significantly reduce damage.

When to Seek Medical Attention Fir Chemical Eye Injuries

Contact us Immediately If:

• Severe Symptoms: Sudden and severe eye irritation.
• Persistent Symptoms: Irritation lasts longer than a few hours after rinsing.
• Visual Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss.
• Discharge: Yellow or green discharge from the eye.
• Pain: Severe eye pain not relieved by flushing.
• Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Trauma: Any cuts, punctures, or blunt force injuries to the eye.

When in doubt, it’s always best to call an eye doctor near you for specific instructions on what to do. Phone: (714) 486-3315

Our emergency care team, led by Dr. Nathan Schramm, Dr. Ariel Chen, Dr. Valerie Lam, and Dr. Nhi Nguyen, is ready to handle any urgent eye situation. Whether it’s a sudden loss of vision or an injury, their advanced expertise and compassionate approach ensure that you receive the immediate care you need.

Common Causes of Chemical Eye Irritation

Chlorine and Swimming Pools

Understanding Chloramines:

• Chlorine is added to swimming pools to kill germs. However, when chlorine mixes with organic matter like urine, sweat, dirt, skin cells, deodorant, and makeup, it forms chloramines.
• Chloramines are chemical irritants responsible for the “chlorine smell” often noticed in pools and can cause eye irritation.

Symptoms of Chlorine In The Eye:

• Red, itchy eyes
• Burning sensation
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light

Prevention Tips:

• Pre-Swim Hygiene: Ensure your child showers before entering the pool to remove sweat and other substances.
• Bathroom Breaks: Encourage frequent bathroom breaks to prevent urination in the pool.
• Protective Gear: Use swim goggles to shield eyes from chlorinated water.
• Education: Teach your child about not peeing in the pool and proper pool hygiene.

Makeup and Cosmetics

Risks of Makeup in the Eye:

• Bacterial Growth: Mascara and liquid eye makeup can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of eye infections.
• Particles in the Eye: Powders and eye shadows can flake and get into the eye, causing irritation.

Symptoms from Makeup in the Eye:

• Redness and swelling
• Itching or burning sensation
• Watery or sticky discharge
• Feeling of something in the eye

Prevention Tips:

• Age Appropriateness: Discourage the use of makeup in young children.
• Personal Use: Do not share eye makeup to prevent cross-contamination.
• Regular Replacement: Replace mascara and liquid eye makeup every three months.
• Proper Removal: Ensure makeup is removed thoroughly before bed.

Sunscreen Eye Exposure

Understanding the Risks Getting Sunscreen in the eye:

• Sunscreen contains chemicals that can irritate the eye if accidentally applied or transferred via sweat.

Symptoms of sunscreen in the eye:

• Burning and stinging sensation
• Redness and watering of the eyes
• Temporary blurred vision
• Swelling of eyelids

What should you do if you got sunscreen in your eye?

1. Flush the Eye: Rinse the eye gently with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Avoid Rubbing: Do not let your child rub their eyes, as this can worsen irritation.
3. Use Artificial Tears: Apply preservative-free artificial tears to soothe the eye.

Prevention Tips:

• Careful Application: Apply sunscreen carefully around the eye area.
• Use Alternative Products: Consider sunscreen sticks or mineral-based sunscreens less likely to irritate.
• Education: Teach your child to keep eyes closed during application.

Household Cleaners and Chemicals

Common Cleaning Chemicals That Cause Eye Irritation:

• Soaps, shampoos, detergents
• Insect repellents
• Air fresheners and scented candles
• Laundry detergents and softener sheets
• VOCs from paints, furniture, carpets

Symptoms:

• Stinging or burning sensation
• Redness and tearing
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Blurred vision

Immediate Actions:

1. Rinse the Eye: Flush with water for at least 10-15 minutes.
2. Remove Contact Lenses: If applicable, remove them after initial flushing.
3. Seek Advice: Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

Prevention:

• Safe Storage: Keep chemicals out of reach of children.
• Use Protective Eyewear: When appropriate, have your child wear safety goggles.
• Read Labels: Follow instructions and warnings on product labels.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Sources:

• Paints, solvents
• New carpets, furniture
• Cleaning products

Effects on Eyes:

• Irritation
• Redness
• Allergic reactions

Prevention:

• Use VOC-Free Products: Choose safer alternatives.
• Ventilation: Keep areas well-ventilated when using such products.
• Air Purifiers: Consider using to improve indoor air quality.

Dust Mites and Allergens

Impact:

• Can cause chronic eye irritation
• May exacerbate allergic reactions

Management:

• Regular Cleaning: Wash bedding frequently in hot water.
• Allergen-Proof Covers: Use on mattresses and pillows.
• Humidity Control: Keep indoor humidity levels low.

Insect Repellents and Lawn Care Products

Risks of repellant in the eye:

• Contains chemicals that can irritate or damage the eyes.
• Insect Repellents: DEET and other chemicals can cause irritation.
• Lawn Care Products: Fertilizers and pesticides may be harmful.

Prevention:

• Protective Eyewear: Use when applying these products.
• Application: Apply repellents carefully, avoiding the face and eyes.
• Organic Alternatives: Consider using safer, natural products.

Preventive Measures for Parents To Reduce The Risk of Chemical Eye Irritation

Safe Storage and Handling

• Child-Resistant Containers: Use and ensure they are properly closed.
• Out of Reach: Store chemicals and irritants in high or locked cabinets.
• Proper Disposal: Dispose of old or unused chemicals safely.

Supervision and Education

• Supervise Activities: Monitor your child during activities involving potential eye irritants.
• Educate Your Child: Teach them about the dangers of touching or rubbing their eyes with unclean hands.

Use of Protective Gear

• Safety Goggles: Encourage the use of protective eyewear during sports or when exposed to potential irritants.
• Sunglasses: Protect eyes from UV rays, which can also cause irritation.

Household Practices

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when using cleaning products.
• Natural Alternatives: Use non-toxic, natural cleaning agents when possible.

Common Household Products That Can Be Dangerous

• Dishwasher Detergents: Contain strong alkalis.
• Drain Openers: Often contain lye or sulfuric acid.
• Hair Relaxers and Perm Solutions: Contain strong chemicals.
• Oven Cleaners: Contain caustic substances.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaners: May contain hydrochloric acid.

Preventive Measures:

• Read Labels Carefully: Understand the potential risks.
• Keep Out of Reach: Store safely away from children.
• Educate Family Members: Ensure everyone is aware of the dangers.

Safety Precautions to Avoid Further Harm

As a bystander or first responder, your first responsibility in the event of a chemical eye injury is to ensure safety for yourself and the affected individual. Assess the scene to prevent further exposure to harmful chemicals. Protective eyewear or gloves may be necessary if these items are readily available.

• Avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitizers if you anticipate needing to handle the eye; wash hands with soap and water instead.
• Remove any visible excess chemical on the surface of the skin or clothing carefully to prevent contact with the eyes.
• Prevent contamination to any unaffected areas, and ensure that any chemical agents are meticulously avoided. In cases involving children, ensure they are kept away from the source of chemicals to mitigate risk of further exposure.

Understanding and effectively employing these precautions safeguards against the aggravation of an already delicate situation. Your actions play a pivotal role in the safety and initial care of a patient with chemical eye irritation.

Orange County’s Leading Emergency Eye Care Clinic

At Insight Vision Center Optometry, located in Costa Mesa, we take pride in offering top-tier emergency eye care to patients dealing with chemical eye irritations from all across Orange County, including Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Santa Ana. Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology to handle urgent eye care situations like chemical exposures. Whether you’ve come into contact with an irritant or a harmful substance affecting your eyes, our experienced doctors are here to provide the expert care you need, ensuring your vision and eye health are preserved.