In a chemical exposure with eye involvement, what is recommended?

In a chemical exposure with eye involvement, what is recommended?

• A. Continuous saline flush in affected eyes for 10-15 mins
• B. Irrigate only once for 5 minutes
• C. Wipe with gauze
• D. Apply ointment after irrigation

Answer: (A)

Immediate, thorough irrigation of the eye with saline for 10–15 minutes is recommended because the chemical can keep causing damage until it’s flushed away. This continuous flush dilutes and removes the irritant and helps normalize the ocular surface pH, reducing the extent of injury to the cornea and surrounding tissues. Use isotonic saline if available; if not, clean water is acceptable. Start irrigation right away, directing flow from the inner canthus toward the outer canthus to prevent contaminating the other eye. If contact lenses are present and safe to remove, take them out. Continue irrigation until the chemical is effectively flushed out and the eye can be assessed without ongoing irritation. After irrigation, avoid rubbing the eye and refrain from applying ointment immediately; reassess the injury and proceed with appropriate further care.

Immediate, thorough irrigation of the eye with saline for 10–15 minutes is recommended because the chemical can keep causing damage until it’s flushed away. This continuous flush dilutes and removes the irritant and helps normalize the ocular surface pH, reducing the extent of injury to the cornea and surrounding tissues. Use isotonic saline if available; if not, clean water is acceptable. Start irrigation right away, directing flow from the inner canthus toward the outer canthus to prevent contaminating the other eye. If contact lenses are present and safe to remove, take them out. Continue irrigation until the chemical is effectively flushed out and the eye can be assessed without ongoing irritation. After irrigation, avoid rubbing the eye and refrain from applying ointment immediately; reassess the injury and proceed with appropriate further care.