Definition of Chemical in the Eye
- The Human Eye Is Very Delicateeye image by Stanisa Martinovic from Fotolia.com
A chemical in the eye can occur due to accidental or purposeful exposure. According to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, thousands of people suffer from injuries related to chemicals inside the eye. These injuries can be caused by cleaning products that include bleaches, detergents and other polishes. Contact lens cleanser can also cause serious eye burns.
While many products can be rinsed out and generally don't cause serious problems, this can cause loss of vision and serious pain. - Poisons Can Accidently Get Into The Eyechemical waste image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com
According to Drugs.com, eye chemical burns often directly affect the cornea and the sclera within the eye. The cornea is a clear layer that covers the front of an eye, while the sclera is the white rim around the colored iris. Chemicals in the eye can affect the whole eye, including the lens, the pupil and the iris. - Eyeballs Can Be Burned By Chemicalsoeil image by Cyril Comtat from Fotolia.com
The signs of chemicals in the eye, according to Drugs.com, include blurry vision, reduced vision, loss of vision, pain, the feeling of a foreign body in the eye, light sensitivity, swollen lids or eyeballs, bumps or cuts, cloudy tissue coverage and red or bloodshot eyes. - A Doctor Should Be Consulted When Eyes Are Hurtdoctor image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
According to Drugs.com, a person who has chemicals in his eye should rinse immediately with gentle water for 30 minutes. If contact lenses are inside the eye, rinse over the lens without removing it. Rinse the other eye if not affected as well, since chemicals could leak in. Standing in the shower to rinse is especially important and should be done right away.
The Poison Control Center should also be contacted for advice, while a visit to an eye doctor, hospital or physician should also take place.
Wearing glasses or goggles when dealing with toxic chemicals or splashing liquids is a good way to prevent chemicals from entering the eye. However, not all glasses will directly protect the whole eyeball. - Surgery May Be Required If The Eye Is Badly Affectedlaparoscopic surgery image by Grzegorz Kwolek from Fotolia.com
If rinsing does not help the eye, further action may be required. According to Drugs.com, surgery or medication may be needed. Antibiotics may help prevent and treat infection, while pain medication or steroids may decrease pain. Surgeries include debridement, which is the removing of damaged tissue. Tenonplasty is surgery that rebuilds affected parts of the eye. Tissue grafting may help replace lost of damaged tissue and transplants may be needed if the chemical has seriously affected the eye.
