Dish soap is formulated to effectively break down grease and lift dirt from surfaces. Its chemical composition makes it an irritant if it comes into contact with sensitive areas like the eyes. Eye exposure to dish soap is a relatively common occurrence, typically resulting in discomfort rather than severe or lasting harm, especially with prompt action.
Initial Sensations and Symptoms
When dish soap enters the eye, it typically triggers an immediate stinging or burning sensation. This reaction occurs because soap disrupts the natural tear film that protects the eye’s delicate surface, known as the conjunctiva. The eye’s pH is around 7 (neutral), while many soaps are alkaline, with a pH ranging from 9-10; this pH difference contributes to the burning feeling.
Along with burning, symptoms can include redness of the eye and eyelid surfaces, excessive tearing as the eye attempts to flush out the irritant, and temporary blurred vision. Some individuals might also experience sensitivity to light. While these symptoms can be alarming and uncomfortable, they are generally temporary for typical household dish soaps and usually do not lead to permanent damage if the soap is removed quickly.
Immediate Steps for Eye Care
The most important step after getting dish soap in your eye is to rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Immediate and prolonged rinsing helps to dilute the soap and wash away the irritating chemicals. To do this effectively, tilt your head so the affected eye is lower than the other, allowing the water to drain away from the unaffected eye.
Use a gentle stream of lukewarm tap water from a faucet or shower, keeping the eye open as wide as possible. Blinking frequently during rinsing can help to flush out the soap more effectively. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately, as soap can become trapped underneath, prolonging irritation.
Continue rinsing for at least 15 to 20 minutes to ensure all the soap is removed. It is important to avoid rubbing your eye, as this can worsen irritation or potentially cause minor abrasions on the cornea.
Knowing When to Get Medical Help
While most incidents of dish soap in the eye resolve with thorough rinsing, certain signs indicate a need for professional medical attention. You should seek care if your eye remains red, irritated, or painful after 24 hours of rinsing. Persistent blurred or altered vision that does not improve, extreme redness or swelling, or any discharge from the eye, especially if it is yellow or green, are also reasons to consult a healthcare provider.
Increased or persistent sensitivity to light after rinsing warrants medical evaluation. If the substance that entered your eye was not mild dish soap but a stronger chemical, such as automatic dishwashing detergent or other harsh cleaning products, immediate emergency medical attention is crucial after initial flushing, as these can cause more significant damage. An optometrist, ophthalmologist, or emergency medical care can assess for potential damage or infection.
The most important step after getting dish soap in your eye is to rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Immediate and prolonged rinsing helps to dilute the soap and wash away the irritating chemicals. To do this effectively, tilt your head so the affected eye is lower than the other, allowing the water to drain away from the unaffected eye.
Use a gentle stream of lukewarm tap water from a faucet or shower, keeping the eye open as wide as possible. Blinking frequently during rinsing can help to flush out the soap more effectively. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately, as soap can become trapped underneath, prolonging irritation.
Continue rinsing for at least 15 to 20 minutes to ensure all the soap is removed. It is important to avoid rubbing your eye, as this can worsen irritation or potentially cause minor abrasions on the cornea.
While most incidents of dish soap in the eye resolve with thorough rinsing, certain signs indicate a need for professional medical attention. You should seek care if your eye remains red, irritated, or painful after 24 hours of rinsing. Persistent blurred or altered vision that does not improve, extreme redness or swelling, or any discharge from the eye, especially if it is yellow or green, are also reasons to consult a healthcare provider. Increased or persistent sensitivity to light after rinsing warrants medical evaluation. If the substance that entered your eye was not mild dish soap but a stronger chemical, such as automatic dishwashing detergent or other harsh cleaning products, immediate emergency medical attention is crucial after initial flushing, as these can cause more significant damage. An optometrist, ophthalmologist, or emergency medical care can assess for potential damage or infection.