Eye drops are common household items, typically used to relieve eye irritation, redness, or dryness. While generally safe when applied as directed, a serious situation arises if these products are ingested. The question of whether ingesting eye drops can be fatal highlights a potential danger many may not fully understand.
Understanding Harmful Eye Drop Ingredients
Many common over-the-counter eye drops contain active ingredients called vasoconstrictors, designed to reduce eye redness by constricting blood vessels. The most prominent are tetrahydrozoline (found in brands like Visine and Murine), naphazoline, and oxymetazoline. These ingredients function by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to blood vessel narrowing.
While this topical effect is beneficial for eye redness, it becomes problematic if swallowed. Not all eye drops pose this risk; saline solutions, for instance, are much less harmful if ingested. The danger lies specifically with these vasoconstrictive compounds, which are intended for external use only.
How Ingested Eye Drops Affect the Body
When ingested, vasoconstrictor eye drops are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in systemic circulation, these compounds can significantly affect the body beyond the eyes. They act as central nervous system depressants, slowing various bodily functions.
The systemic effects primarily involve the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Ingesting these substances can lead to a dangerously slow heart rate (bradycardia) and a significant drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
Initial symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Affected individuals may also experience blurred vision, changes in pupil size, and altered mental states, including severe drowsiness or lethargy.
The Risk of Severe Outcomes
Ingesting eye drops containing vasoconstrictors can lead to severe, even fatal, health consequences. Severe poisoning can result in life-threatening conditions such as coma, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest. These outcomes occur because the active ingredients disrupt the body’s normal regulatory functions, particularly those of the heart and brain.
Several factors influence poisoning severity, including the amount ingested and the active ingredient concentration. Children are particularly susceptible due to their smaller body size; even a small amount (1-2 milliliters) can cause pronounced effects like sleepiness and breathing difficulties. An individual’s age, weight, and pre-existing health conditions also play a role in their response to toxic exposure.
Immediate Response and Prevention
If eye drops are ingested, seek immediate medical attention. The most critical step is to contact a poison control center or emergency services promptly; do not wait for symptoms to appear. Provide information about the eye drop type, estimated amount, and any observed symptoms.
To prevent accidental ingestion, especially by children, eye drops should always be stored out of reach and sight. Many eye drop bottles lack child-resistant packaging, making them easily accessible to curious young children. Discarding old or unused bottles properly also helps minimize risk.