Nail polish in the eye requires immediate attention, as the chemicals it contains can cause significant irritation and potential harm. It can lead to injury ranging from temporary discomfort to severe, permanent damage, including vision loss. The severity of the injury depends on the specific chemical and the duration of contact.
Immediate First Aid Steps
Should nail polish enter your eye, the most important action is to immediately and thoroughly flush the affected eye with a continuous stream of clean, lukewarm tap water. This crucial step helps dilute and wash away the harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of severe damage. Begin flushing as quickly as possible, aiming for at least 15 to 20 minutes of continuous rinsing.
First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent further contamination. Then, hold your eyelids open as wide as possible under a gentle stream of water. You can do this by holding your head under a faucet, using a clean jug, or even stepping into a shower, directing the water to flow from the inner corner of the eye outwards, away from the nose. If only one eye is affected, tilt your head to ensure the contaminated water does not run into the unaffected eye. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them after initiating the flushing process.
Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention
Even after thorough flushing, certain symptoms indicate the need for prompt medical evaluation by an eye care professional or at an emergency department. Persistent pain, ongoing redness, or a continued burning sensation are clear indicators that professional help is necessary. Any changes in vision, such as blurriness or reduced clarity, or increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), also warrant immediate medical attention.
Swelling of the eyelids or the eye itself, excessive tearing, or the sensation that something is still present in the eye are additional signs that suggest a more serious injury. In some cases, symptoms like an inability to keep the eye open, pus or thick discharge, or even a fever can develop, signaling potential complications like infection. Since the initial discomfort may not always reflect the full extent of the damage, seek medical advice if any concerning symptoms persist after flushing.
Actions to Avoid
Avoid certain actions that could worsen the injury. Never rub the affected eye, as this can cause further abrasion to the delicate corneal surface and push chemicals deeper into the eye tissue.
Do not attempt to remove the nail polish with cotton swabs, tissues, or any other objects, as this can introduce foreign particles or cause scratching. Refrain from using over-the-counter eye drops, ointments, or any unprescribed medications. These products are not formulated for chemical burns and could either react adversely with the chemicals or mask symptoms, delaying appropriate medical treatment. Only water or sterile saline should be used for initial flushing.
Understanding the Hazard
Nail polish poses a hazard to the eyes due to its chemical composition, primarily consisting of solvents, film-formers, and color pigments. Common solvents like ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and acetone can cause irritation and dryness. Other ingredients, such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), are known irritants that can lead to chemical burns or damage to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.
While nail polish is generally considered an irritant or mildly acidic substance, its chemical components can still penetrate eye tissue and cause inflammation or more severe injury depending on the exposure.
Preventative Measures
Preventing nail polish from entering the eyes involves adopting simple safety habits during application and storage. Wearing protective eyewear, such as safety glasses or goggles, is a practical measure, especially if you are prone to accidental splashes or work with nail polish frequently. This physical barrier can effectively shield the eyes from direct contact.
Ensuring adequate ventilation in the area where nail polish is being applied helps minimize the concentration of chemical fumes in the air, which can also irritate the eyes and respiratory system. Always store nail polish bottles securely, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental spills or ingestion. Careful application and immediately re-capping bottles after use can further reduce the risk of eye exposure.