Getting lash glue in your eye can be a frightening experience. While your natural reaction might be to rub the eye, the most important first step is to remain calm. Eyelash adhesives, especially those containing cyanoacrylate, react quickly with moisture, but most cases resolve safely without long-term injury when proper first-aid steps are taken immediately.
Immediate Action: Step-by-Step Eye Flushing
The primary goal immediately following glue exposure is to dilute and remove the substance from the eye’s surface. Begin flushing the affected eye with clean, lukewarm water right away, as this is the most effective way to prevent chemical injury. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before or during flushing, as the glue may adhere to the lens material.
To flush the eye, use a clean container to pour a gentle, continuous stream of water over the eye, starting from the inner corner and flowing toward the outside. Alternatively, rinse the eye under a gentle shower stream or submerge your face in a basin of water, repeatedly opening and closing the eye. Flush the eye for a minimum of five to ten minutes. For potent cyanoacrylate-based glues, aim for a full fifteen minutes of continuous rinsing.
While rinsing, gently roll your eye in all directions to ensure the water reaches all surfaces, including under the eyelids. The water helps neutralize the adhesive and wash away unbonded material before it cures. If your eyelids are partially sealed, the warm water will help soften the glue, but do not attempt to force them apart.
Critical Safety Warnings: What Not to Do
Certain actions can dramatically worsen the injury and must be strictly avoided. The most damaging mistake is rubbing the eye, which can cause the glue to scratch the cornea or spread the adhesive further across the eye’s surface. Rubbing can also introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Do not attempt to mechanically remove any dried or semi-dried glue from the surface of your eyeball or eyelid using tools. Never use tweezers, cotton swabs, or your fingernails to pick at or peel off the adhesive, as this carries a high risk of causing a corneal abrasion. Similarly, avoid using any solvents like acetone, alcohol, or commercial makeup removers, as these chemicals will cause severe chemical burns.
If your eyelids are glued shut, resist the impulse to forcefully pull them apart. Forcing the eyelids open can result in tearing the delicate skin or damaging the eyelid margin. Instead, continue flushing with warm water and apply a warm, moist compress to the closed eye, which may help soften the adhesive naturally.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms and Seeking Medical Care
After thorough flushing, assess the eye for signs of a serious injury requiring professional medical attention. While mild irritation is common, persistent or worsening symptoms signal the need for immediate care.
You should call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience significant vision changes, such as blurring or partial loss of vision, even after rinsing. Severe, unremitting pain that continues after flushing indicates a possible corneal injury or chemical burn that needs urgent evaluation. Other serious symptoms include severe photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) or if the eyelid remains sealed shut after fifteen minutes of warm water flushing.
A medical evaluation is also necessary if the eye develops excessive discharge, swelling, or redness that intensifies over several hours, as these may indicate a developing infection or severe allergic reaction. If the glue was a professional-grade, cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, a medical professional should confirm that no residual adhesive or damage remains on the ocular surface.
Post-Incident Recovery and Eye Care
Focus on supporting the eye’s natural healing process to manage mild residual irritation and prevent secondary issues. The eye’s surface often experiences dryness and minor inflammation after exposure to an irritant. Using preservative-free artificial tears can provide soothing relief.
Apply these lubricating drops frequently throughout the day to keep the surface moist and aid in repair. Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 24 to 48 hours to prevent further irritation or trapping bacteria against the compromised cornea. You should also refrain from applying any eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, for the same period to keep the eye area clean.
Monitor the eye closely for the next few days for any delayed symptoms, such as increased redness, persistent foreign-body sensation, or changes in vision. If these symptoms appear or if mild irritation does not subside within 24 hours, schedule a follow-up appointment with an eye care specialist.