What should you do if a chemical gets in your eye?
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Quick answer
Start rinsing the affected eye immediately with clean, cool running water. Hold the eyelids open and continue rinsing for at least 20 minutes while emergency help is arranged. Do not delay rinsing to look for a special solution and do not try to neutralise the chemical.
A chemical splash can seriously injure the surface of the eye. The most important first-aid step is immediate, continuous rinsing. Do not wait to identify the chemical or find a special solution before starting.
What should you do immediately after a chemical enters the eye?
- Start rinsing the affected eye immediately with clean, cool running water.
- Hold the eyelids open with your fingers if you can do so safely.
- Tilt the head towards the injured side so contaminated water does not run into the other eye.
- Continue rinsing for at least 20 minutes while emergency help is arranged.
- Call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department.
If contact lenses come out easily during rinsing, remove them. Do not delay irrigation to struggle with a lens that will not come out.
What should you avoid doing?
- Do not rub or press on the eye.
- Do not try to neutralise one chemical with another.
- Do not put drops, ointment or other medicines in the eye unless directed by a health professional.
- Do not cover the eye in a way that delays rinsing.
- Do not drive yourself if pain or vision is affected.
Does the type of chemical matter?
Yes, but rinsing must start before you spend time identifying it. Household cleaners, pool chemicals, industrial products, garden chemicals, cosmetics and workplace substances can all injure the eye. If it is safe, bring the product container or a photograph of its label to the emergency department so clinicians can identify the substance.
What symptoms can a chemical eye injury cause?
Symptoms may include burning, pain, redness, watering, light sensitivity, swelling, difficulty opening the eye and blurred vision. Symptoms alone cannot safely determine how serious the injury is, so professional assessment is still required after rinsing.
What happens after the eye has been rinsed?
A clinician may check vision, the eye’s surface and its pH, then continue irrigation if necessary. Further treatment depends on the chemical and the extent of injury. Follow-up may be needed even if the eye initially feels better.
Can City Optics treat a chemical eye injury?
A chemical splash is an emergency pathway, not a routine appointment. Start rinsing and contact Triple Zero (000) or the nearest emergency department. Our eye-emergency guide explains other symptoms that require immediate or same-day care.
After emergency treatment, an optometrist may assist with follow-up when advised by the treating team. Our eye disease screening and booking pages describe non-emergency services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rinse the eye in the shower?
Yes. Clean, cool running water from a shower, tap or other safe source can be used. Keep the flow gentle and continue for at least 20 minutes.
Should I wait for the ambulance before rinsing?
No. Start rinsing immediately and continue while help is arranged.
Can I use saline instead of water?
Sterile saline can be used if it is immediately available, but do not delay irrigation while searching for it. Clean running water is appropriate first aid.
What if the eye feels better after rinsing?
You still need medical assessment. Some chemical injuries can be serious even when discomfort improves.
This general information does not replace emergency medical care or individual advice.
