Getting super glue in your eye can be alarming, but most cases resolve favorably with proper care. Knowing what to do can help manage immediate effects and promote a positive outcome.
Immediate Steps to Take
If super glue enters your eye, remain calm. Immediately flush the affected eye with lukewarm water. Do this continuously for 5 to 15 minutes, allowing water to flow from the inner corner towards the ear. This rinsing helps loosen the glue and reduce discomfort.
It is important to avoid rubbing your eye or trying to force your eyelids open if they become stuck. Doing so can cause further injury or tearing to delicate eye tissues. Do not use solvents like acetone or soap, as these can cause more irritation and worsen the situation.
What to Expect and When to Seek Medical Help
After super glue exposure, you might experience immediate stinging, blurred vision, or the sensation of a foreign object in your eye. It is also common for eyelashes or eyelids to stick together, sometimes sealing the eye shut. While the glue typically bonds to the surface proteins of the eye or the eyelids, it is not absorbed into the eye itself.
Despite the glue’s tendency to detach on its own, medical attention is always recommended following super glue exposure to the eye. This ensures a thorough examination for any potential complications, such as corneal abrasions or conjunctivitis, and proper guidance for removal. Seeking professional help helps prevent secondary issues from rubbing or inadequate removal.
Professional Treatment and Recovery
A medical professional, such as an ophthalmologist, will assess the eye and provide appropriate treatment. They may gently attempt to separate any stuck eyelids or eyelashes. Warm compresses can be applied to encourage the glue to soften and detach. In some instances, an ophthalmic ointment or antibiotic eye drops may be applied to soothe the eye, prevent infection, and aid in the glue’s release.
The glue detaches from the eye’s surface as natural tears and eye movements work to separate it. If eyelashes are heavily coated, they might be carefully trimmed. Recovery is quick, often within days, and does not result in long-term vision impairment.