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Do You Know How
to Treat a Chemical Burn?
Quick reactions
can make the difference between sight and blindness
It can happen in the
blink of an eye. While pouring liquid drain cleaner down a
sink, some of the chemical splashes up in your face, hitting you
squarely in the eye. Chemical injuries don't just happen in
the workplace. Most homes have dozens of everyday products
that pose tremendous danger to vision if they contact the eye.
The severity of the
injury is related to whether the chemical is alkali or
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Alkali-
based chemicals
Acid-based
chemicals
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acid-based. Alkali chemicals are more destructive then acidic
chemicals because of their ability to adhere to the eye and
penetrate tissues. However, acid burns may be compounded by glass
injuries caused by an explosion.
Often, the difference between a serious but
treatable injury and losing vision is a matter of understanding a
few principles of ocular first aid.
Emergency care
After chemical exposure, the first step is to
immediately (within seconds) begin flushing the eye with water.
If the accident occurs in an industrial setting, special irrigating
facilities should be available. If the injury happens at home,
begin flushing the eye with water right away, call for help
immediately and contact your local ophthalmologist.
The easiest way to irrigate at home is for the
patient
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First aid at home
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Help the patient hold his or her head
over a sink
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Gently hold the lids apart with a cotton
swab or dry cloth
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Pour water over the eye, making sure to
rinse inside the eyelids
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Call your ophthalmologist
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to hold his or her head over a sink while the helper continuously
pours water over the eye with a glass or cup. It is important to
gently hold the lids apart while irrigating in order to rinse
underneath the lids and wash away as much of the chemical as
possible. Using a dry cloth is helpful because the lids are
difficult to hold back when they are wet. Continue flushing
the eye for approximately 20 minutes.
Secondary care at the ophthalmologist's office
If possible, bring the chemical used at the time of
the accident to the doctor's office. The type of chemical,
concentration, and key ingredients may give the doctor valuable
information needed for treatment. The doctor may continue
irrigation to insure that the chemical is diluted as much as
possible. The eye will be carefully examined under
magnification to determine the extent of the injury and whether
there are any foreign particles imbedded in the eye.
An ounce of prevention...
Taking care to prevent chemical injuries is the best
first aid. Follow these simple steps to reduce your risk:
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Follow package directions and warnings before
using chemicals
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When using chemicals, always wear safety glasses
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Never put your face over a drain after applying
chemicals
The chance of regaining useful vision following a
chemical accident is dependent on the nature and type of injury.
However, knowing how to initiate treatment at home greatly increases
the odds of recovery and saving vision.
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