Chemical Eye Burns

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Many chemicals can burn the eye. Alkali burns (often found in drain cleaner and other cleaning products) can be the worst. Acid burns may not be as bad depending on the type of acid, but may also be severe. If the burn is serious or your vision (seeing) is affected, you may be sent to an eye doctor.

Signs and Symptoms: You may feel pain and swelling of your eye. Your eye may be red and you may have blurred vision (seeing).

Care: Rinse the eye right away with tap water or salt water for 15 to 30 minutes. It may be easiest to rinse your eye while standing in a shower and holding your eye open to the water. Call your caregiver after your eye is rinsed out. Or, have someone call him/her while you are rinsing the eye. Your caregiver may put an antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) eye ointment in your eye. Your eye may be covered with a patch. You may need medicine to lessen the pain and swelling.

Do's and Don'ts: Whenever you work with chemicals, wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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