Accidental instillation of super glue into the eye is a startling emergency, often occurring because cyanoacrylate adhesive packaging can resemble small bottles of eye drops or medication. Super glue, or cyanoacrylate, is a monomer that reacts swiftly to moisture, which is abundant in the eye from tears and the moist surface of the cornea. This rapid chemical reaction, called polymerization, causes the glue to instantly harden and bond to tissue. While the situation feels alarming, long-term vision loss is rare. The prognosis for full recovery is highly favorable because the glue tends to bond primarily to the external structures of the eye.
Immediate First Aid Protocol
The immediate response to getting super glue in the eye is to begin copious irrigation with lukewarm water. The eye must be continuously flushed for a minimum of 15 minutes to dilute the adhesive and cool the tissue affected by polymerization. This flushing helps wash away any unreacted chemical monomer and reduce the severity of bonding.
Resist the urge to rub the eye or attempt to forcibly separate stuck eyelids. Rubbing can cause serious mechanical damage, including tearing the delicate eyelid skin or causing large corneal abrasions. Forcing glued eyelids apart will likely tear eyelashes and epithelial tissue, worsening the injury.
Never introduce solvents, such as nail polish remover containing acetone, near the eye. While acetone dissolves cyanoacrylate on skin, its application risks severe chemical burns to the conjunctiva and cornea. After starting the 15-minute flush, immediately contact emergency medical services or a poison control center for guidance while continuing the irrigation.
Expected Physical Effects
Upon contact, liquid cyanoacrylate instantly reacts with the moisture in tears. This polymerization releases a small amount of heat, which can result in a minor thermal burn to the surface tissues. The chemical reaction and the adhesive cause immediate, intense burning pain, stinging, and profuse tearing.
The adhesive’s rapid setting time, combined with the reflex of forceful blinking, often pushes the hardening glue toward the lid margins and eyelashes. This frequently results in the eyelids being bonded together, a condition clinically termed tarsorrhaphy. Glue residue can also adhere to the conjunctiva, the clear membrane over the white of the eye, or the cornea.
The presence of hardened glue or friction from glued eyelashes typically results in superficial injuries like chemical conjunctivitis or corneal abrasions. Blurred vision is a common symptom due to the adhesive film and the surface injury.
Professional Medical Intervention and Recovery
Once a patient reaches a medical facility, the goal is to safely separate the eyelids and remove any glue debris without causing additional trauma. If the eyelids are bonded, separation is gently achieved by softening the adhesive bond. This is often done using ophthalmic ointment or mineral oil, applied over time to allow the bond to naturally loosen.
The ophthalmologist may trim the eyelashes to facilitate lid separation. Glue fragments attached to the cornea or conjunctiva are carefully lifted or removed using fine forceps or a cotton swab. This removal is possible because the glue typically adheres only to the superficial epithelial layer, not the deeper tissue. Local anesthetic drops are used to ensure patient comfort during this procedure.
The most common consequence is a corneal abrasion, which is managed with topical antibiotic drops or ointments to prevent infection. Superficial corneal injuries typically heal completely within a few days to a week, and permanent damage to vision is exceptionally rare.