Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a widely used household compound for baking, cleaning, and deodorizing. While generally safe for intended uses, this granular powder poses a risk if it contacts the eyes. The eye is sensitive to foreign substances, and exposure to baking soda requires immediate attention. This article explores the chemical risks, identifies signs of exposure, and outlines the proper steps for immediate response and medical care.
Understanding the Chemical Risk
Baking soda is an alkaline substance, typically having a mildly basic pH of approximately 8.2. The eye’s surface (cornea and conjunctiva) is very sensitive to pH changes, as it naturally maintains a specific, slightly alkaline balance. Introducing baking soda disrupts this fragile balance, leading to potential damage.
Alkaline substances are generally more damaging than acidic substances due to liquefactive necrosis. Hydroxyl ions react with fatty acids in cell membranes, turning tissue into a soapy material through saponification. This chemical reaction allows the substance to penetrate the eye’s surface more deeply and rapidly, potentially damaging underlying structures.
While strong alkalis cause rapid injury, even a weaker alkali like baking soda causes significant irritation if not promptly removed. The powder form can also cause mechanical abrasion of the cornea before it dissolves and exhibits its chemical effects. This dual threat requires immediate action to prevent lasting harm to the ocular surface.
Signs of Ocular Exposure
Symptoms of baking soda exposure range from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the amount and duration of contact. Mild exposure typically causes a temporary stinging or burning sensation, often accompanied by excessive tearing. The eye may become noticeably red, and the person might experience a gritty feeling.
More severe exposures, or cases where the powder has not been completely flushed out, result in more alarming signs. These include intense, persistent pain that does not subside or a noticeable blurriness in vision. The pain may be severe enough that the person cannot keep the affected eye open, indicating a serious injury.
Immediate Response and Medical Care
The most important action after getting baking soda in the eye is immediate, copious flushing with water, done before seeking medical attention. Do not rub the eye, as this worsens mechanical abrasion and embeds the alkaline powder further into the tissue. The goal is to dilute and wash away the sodium bicarbonate as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Flush the affected eye with clean, lukewarm water from a tap, shower, or sterile saline solution. Hold the eyelid open to ensure the water reaches all parts of the eye, directing the stream from the inner corner toward the outer corner. This flushing must be maintained continuously for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to neutralize the alkaline material and remove residual powder.
Following the prolonged flush, seek professional medical care immediately if any irritation, pain, or blurring of vision persists. Even if symptoms improve, consult an eye care professional to ensure no hidden damage has occurred, especially to the cornea. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can examine the eye under magnification to check for corneal scratches or signs of deeper chemical burn.