Nail glue, a quick-bonding adhesive primarily composed of cyanoacrylate, a substance also found in many super glues, can cause distress if it accidentally contacts the eye. This article provides clear information for managing such an incident, emphasizing calm and immediate action to mitigate potential harm.
Immediate Steps After Contact
If nail glue gets into your eye, staying calm is important, as panic can hinder effective first aid. The immediate priority is to prevent the eyelids from sealing shut and thoroughly flush the eye. Gently attempt to separate the eyelids if they are stuck together, possibly by rotating fingers in a circular motion on the eyelids. Do not forcefully pull the eyelids apart, as this can cause further injury or tearing.
Flush the affected eye continuously with lukewarm, clean water for at least five to 15 minutes, or even up to 20 minutes for stronger formulas. This can be done by pouring a stream of water from a clean pitcher, rinsing under a shower head, or submerging the face in a basin of water and opening and closing the eye. Continuous irrigation helps wash away the glue and prevents it from fully polymerizing on the ocular surface. Avoid using solvents like acetone, alcohol, or soap, as these can cause severe irritation and chemical injury to delicate eye tissues.
When Professional Help is Needed
Seeking professional medical help is often necessary after nail glue exposure, even if initial symptoms seem mild. Seek immediate medical attention if your eyelids are stuck together and cannot be gently separated after flushing. Medical intervention is also indicated if you experience persistent pain, significant irritation, blurred vision, excessive redness, or any discharge from the eye following the initial flushing.
Any foreign body sensation that does not resolve or changes in vision, such as light sensitivity, warrant an urgent visit to an eye care professional. Complications like corneal abrasions or inflammation of the conjunctiva can arise, making timely medical assessment important to ensure proper care and prevent long-term issues. Even if symptoms appear minor, a medical professional can thoroughly examine the eye for any hidden damage.
Medical Care and Outlook
When seeking medical attention for nail glue in the eye, an ophthalmologist will typically perform a thorough examination to assess the injury. They may use specialized tools and techniques to gently remove any remaining glue particles from the eyelashes, eyelids, or eye surface. This can involve irrigating the eye with saline solution. Petroleum-based topical antibiotic ointment or mineral oil might also be applied to help loosen the glue bond and aid in eyelid separation.
For irritation or to prevent infection, the ophthalmologist may prescribe topical antibiotic eye drops or lubricating eye drops. The prognosis for nail glue in the eye is generally favorable, with most cases resolving without long-term vision impairment. The glue typically detaches from the eye’s protein surfaces over several hours to a few days as the eye naturally produces tears. While rare, untreated cases can lead to complications such as corneal damage or infection, underscoring the importance of professional care.
About Nail Glue and Prevention
Nail glue is primarily made from cyanoacrylate, an acrylic monomer that bonds rapidly when it contacts moisture. The natural moisture on skin, in the air, or tears in the eye, acts as a catalyst, causing the liquid glue to quickly polymerize and harden into a strong plastic bond. This rapid setting property makes it effective for bonding artificial nails but also poses a risk if it contacts sensitive areas like the eye.
Preventing accidental eye contact with nail glue involves several important safety measures:
- Always wear protective eyewear when handling nail glue to create a physical barrier.
- Working in a well-ventilated area is also advisable to minimize inhalation of fumes.
- It is important to store nail glue far away from eye drops and other medications to prevent accidental mix-ups.
- Handle nail glue carefully and keep it out of reach of children to avoid unintended exposures.