Nail glue contains the rapidly bonding chemical cyanoacrylate, which can cause immediate distress and potential harm if introduced into the eye. This situation must be treated as a medical emergency, requiring calm and immediate action to minimize the risk of injury. The information provided here is for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation and treatment. Seeking immediate medical attention from an eye specialist is the safest course of action.
Immediate Steps for Eye Flushing
The first step following nail glue exposure is to remain calm and begin continuous flushing of the affected eye with lukewarm water. Do not rub the eye or attempt to pull at any hardened glue, as this can easily tear the surface of the eye or the eyelid skin. Rubbing can also spread the glue or cause a corneal abrasion against the polymerized adhesive particles.
Use a shower, a gentle stream from a sink faucet, or a clean pitcher to irrigate the eye for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. The lukewarm water helps to loosen the cyanoacrylate and washes away unpolymerized glue, preventing further chemical irritation. While flushing, gently move the eye in all directions (up, down, left, and right) to encourage the water to flow under the eyelids and help lift any glue fragments.
Avoid using acetone, nail polish remover, or any other solvents in or near the eye, as these substances are highly caustic and can cause severe chemical burns. If the eyelids are stuck together, do not attempt to force them open, as this will cause tearing of the skin and tissue damage. Continuous flushing and natural tear production will eventually help the eyelids separate.
If the eyelids are fused shut, applying a clean, warm compress or a gauze pad soaked in mineral oil or ophthalmic ointment may aid separation. The cyanoacrylate bond is temporary when exposed to moisture and proteins, meaning it will naturally loosen within one to four days. However, professional care is still necessary to prevent complications, and you should seek medical help immediately after the initial flushing.
Recognizing When Professional Care Is Necessary
Every instance of nail glue in the eye warrants medical evaluation to ensure no unseen damage has occurred. Seek immediate care from an ophthalmologist or an emergency room if the eyelids are completely sealed shut and cannot be separated through gentle flushing. An inability to open the eye makes examination for internal damage impossible, increasing the urgency of a specialist visit.
Immediate professional attention is required if you experience severe pain that does not subside after flushing or any noticeable changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision. A persistent feeling that something is still lodged in the eye, known as a foreign body sensation, suggests that glue fragments may be adhered to the cornea or lodged beneath the eyelid.
It is important to see a medical professional if you suspect the glue made direct contact with the surface of the eyeball, as this can lead to a corneal abrasion or adherence of polymerized glue to the corneal tissue. Even if the glue only affected the lashes and lids, a trained eye specialist must confirm the absence of damage to the cornea and surrounding tissues.
Clinical Treatment and Expected Recovery
Once a patient reaches a medical facility, the specialist’s focus is to fully examine the eye, which may involve gently separating fused eyelids. A topical anesthetic is often applied to numb the eye, and the doctor uses specialized instruments, like a slit lamp, to thoroughly inspect the cornea and conjunctiva for any remaining glue fragments or abrasions.
If the eyelids are stuck together, the ophthalmologist may carefully trim the eyelashes to separate the lid margins without causing trauma to the skin or ocular surface. Visible pieces of polymerized glue adhered to the cornea or conjunctiva are meticulously removed with fine forceps or a specialized swab. Glue adhered to the eyeball typically dissociates naturally over several hours due to the eye’s moisture and protein content, but removal of any remaining pieces is necessary.
The most common injury following cyanoacrylate exposure is a corneal abrasion, a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye. This injury is treated with topical antibiotic drops or ointments to prevent infection and is often covered with a pressure patch or a therapeutic contact lens to promote healing. Full recovery from a simple corneal abrasion is rapid, often healing completely within 24 to 48 hours.
Patients are advised to avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye is fully healed and to continue using prescribed antibiotic drops for several days. The overall prognosis for ocular cyanoacrylate injury is excellent, and long-term complications are rare when appropriate care is provided. Glue affecting only the eyelashes or lids will naturally peel away as the skin cells turn over, usually within a few days.