Accidentally using ear drops in the eyes is a common mistake, often due to similar packaging. Understanding the immediate effects, fundamental differences, and correct steps to take can help mitigate discomfort and prevent serious issues.
What You Will Feel Immediately
Instilling ear drops into the eye causes immediate sensations. The highly sensitive eye reacts quickly to foreign substances, often with a burning or stinging feeling and irritation. This discomfort varies from mild to intense based on the ear drop ingredients. The eye may also become red, watery, and vision might temporarily blur.
Why They Are Different
Ear drops and eye drops are formulated for different physiological environments, leading to significant differences in their composition. Eye drops are carefully balanced to match the eye’s natural tear film, which has a pH of approximately 7.4. Ear drops often have a broader pH range, with many being acidic to help manage ear conditions or inhibit bacterial growth. This pH disparity alone can irritate the eye’s delicate surface.
Another differentiating factor is sterility. Eye drops are manufactured under strict sterile conditions to prevent eye infections, given the eye’s vulnerability. While some ear drops are sterile, many are not, as the ear canal is less susceptible to infection from non-sterile solutions than the eye.
Active ingredients also vary considerably. Ear drops might contain strong agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for earwax removal, or antibiotics and antifungals for ear infections. These substances are not intended for ocular use and can harm eye tissues. Ear drops may also contain different inactive ingredients or have a viscosity unsuitable for the eye, potentially causing a film or prolonged blurred vision.
How Your Eyes Can Be Affected
Applying ear drops to the eyes can cause various adverse effects due to incompatible formulations. Differing pH levels can disrupt the eye’s natural tear film, leading to irritation and discomfort. Ingredients like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, found in earwax removal drops, can be harsh. These may cause chemical irritation or superficial damage to the corneal surface.
The lack of ophthalmic-grade sterility in some ear drops introduces a risk of bacterial or fungal eye infections, ranging from mild conjunctivitis to more severe conditions. The eye may also experience an allergic reaction to certain components, manifesting as increased redness, swelling, or itching.
Prolonged exposure to irritating substances can lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye. While often temporary, these effects can cause pain and may necessitate medical intervention to prevent lasting complications.
What to Do Next
If ear drops are accidentally instilled into the eyes, immediate action is important to minimize potential harm. Flush the affected eye thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water or saline solution. This rinsing should continue for at least 15 to 20 minutes to dilute and wash away the irritating substance. Blink frequently during this process to ensure the entire eye is flushed.
Individuals wearing contact lenses should remove them immediately before or during flushing, as lenses can trap the irritating substance against the eye. After initial flushing, observe the eye for any persistent symptoms.
If discomfort, redness, pain, blurred vision, discharge, or sensitivity to light continues after extensive rinsing, professional medical attention is advised. Contacting an ophthalmologist, an emergency department, or a poison control center can provide guidance. When seeking medical help, bringing the ear drop bottle can assist healthcare professionals in identifying ingredients and determining the most appropriate course of treatment.