A sudden splash of nail glue near or into your eye requires immediate, calm action. Nail glue is a powerful adhesive, cyanoacrylate, which forms a rapid, strong bond when it contacts moisture, such as tears on the eye’s surface. The primary goal is to minimize the time this chemical contacts sensitive tissues, preventing potential damage to the cornea or conjunctiva.
Immediate First Aid: Thorough Eye Flushing
The first response to getting nail glue in your eye is to begin continuous, gentle irrigation with water. This flushing must be done immediately, even if your eyelids are stuck together, before attempting any other removal method. The continuous flow of water dilutes the chemical, washes away un-polymerized adhesive, and cools the area, preventing a heat-related reaction as the cyanoacrylate hardens.
Use clean, lukewarm tap water or a saline solution for irrigation, avoiding water that is too hot or too cold. Position yourself under a shower or a gently running faucet, aiming the stream at the bridge of your nose so it flows across the affected eye. If the eyelid is glued shut, gently hold the lids open to allow the water to reach the inner surfaces of the eye.
Flush the eye for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to ensure adequate decontamination. A shower is often the most effective method for maintaining a continuous stream of water for this extended period. If a shower is unavailable, pour a steady stream of water from the inner corner of the eye outward using a clean container. After this irrigation, seek immediate medical attention, even if the eye feels better.
Gentle Methods for Removing Dried Glue
After the initial, thorough flushing, the nail glue may have polymerized and dried, adhering to the eyelids or eyelashes. Cyanoacrylate glue naturally loosens over time as it interacts with the moisture and oils on your skin. Removing this dried adhesive requires gentleness and patience to avoid tearing skin or pulling out eyelashes.
Apply a warm, moist compress to the closed eyelid for 15 to 20 minutes to hasten the loosening process. The warmth and moisture soften the hardened glue, making it more pliable and easier to separate. Also, apply a thin layer of a greasy, skin-safe product, such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil, to the glued eyelashes and eyelid margins. These oily substances help break down the cyanoacrylate bond by infiltrating the interface between the glue and the tissue.
Do not use acetone, nail polish remover, or any other chemical solvent near the eye, as these cause severe chemical burns and corneal damage. Never attempt to forcibly pull the eyelids apart or pick at the hardened glue, which can cause painful skin tears or damage the delicate structure of the eyelid. If the eyelashes are significantly matted together, an ophthalmologist may need to carefully trim the lashes to separate the lids.
Recognizing Signs of Serious Injury and Follow-Up Care
While many nail glue incidents cause temporary irritation, recognizing signs of serious injury is paramount for preserving vision. Seek immediate medical attention if the glue has bonded to the eyeball itself or if you experience persistent symptoms after flushing. Indications of a serious problem include blurred or decreased vision, severe or increasing pain, and intense, lasting redness of the eye.
The feeling of a foreign body in the eye that does not resolve with flushing could indicate a corneal abrasion or the presence of glue fragments on the conjunctiva. Even if the glue is successfully removed and symptoms appear to resolve at home, a follow-up examination by an eye care professional is necessary. An ophthalmologist can perform a detailed examination using specialized tools to ensure no microscopic damage, such as a corneal abrasion, has occurred.
They can prescribe treatments, such as antibiotic drops, to prevent infection in any damaged tissue. In cases where the eyelids remain stuck together, a doctor may apply a petroleum-based antibiotic ointment to further soften the adhesive, allowing the lids to separate naturally over a day or two. Always allow a medical professional to confirm the safety of your eye after a chemical exposure.