Getting alcohol in your eye can be a startling experience. This can happen from various sources, ranging from a splash of a beverage to contact with alcohol-based products like hand sanitizer. Understanding the proper response to such an incident is important for eye health.
Immediate Reactions
When alcohol makes contact with the eye, immediate sensations include burning, stinging, and irritation. The eye’s natural response is to water excessively, and redness appears quickly as blood vessels in the eye expand. Blurred vision may also occur, along with involuntary eye closure due to discomfort.
The severity of these reactions depends on the type and concentration of alcohol. For instance, high-concentration rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, which often contains 60% to 95% alcohol, can cause chemical burns to the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye. Even lower concentrations, like those found in alcoholic beverages, can cause significant irritation and dryness due to alcohol’s dehydrating properties.
First Aid Measures
Immediate and thorough rinsing is the primary first aid step if alcohol gets into the eye. Begin by washing your hands with soap and water to ensure no additional chemicals are transferred to the eye. Use clean, lukewarm tap water or a saline solution for flushing.
Position your head to allow a gentle, continuous stream of water to flow over the affected eye for at least 15 to 20 minutes. If only one eye is affected, tilt your head so the water runs away from the unaffected eye to prevent contamination. Hold the eyelids open during rinsing to ensure the water reaches all parts of the eye and flushes out the substance effectively. If you wear contact lenses, remove them after the initial flushing, as chemicals can become trapped underneath, causing further damage. Avoid rubbing the eye, as this can worsen irritation or cause a corneal abrasion.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Medical Help
While immediate flushing resolves minor irritation, alcohol in the eye can lead to more serious issues. Complications include corneal abrasions, which are scratches on the eye’s surface, or chemical burns, especially with higher alcohol concentrations. These can result in persistent pain, increased sensitivity to light, and a gritty sensation. Prolonged inflammation and damage to ocular surface tissues are also possible.
You should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen after thorough rinsing. Indicators for professional medical care include continued pain, significant vision changes (e.g., persistent blurring or cloudiness), ongoing redness, light sensitivity, or any discharge from the eye. If discomfort persists for a few hours, or if you suspect a chemical burn, consult an eye doctor or go to an emergency room. This is advised to assess damage and prevent long-term scarring or vision impairment.