Getting soap in your eye is a common experience that can cause immediate discomfort, including stinging, burning, and redness. While it is rarely a serious issue, prompt action is important to minimize irritation and prevent further problems. Most soaps break down oils, which can irritate the eye’s delicate tissues by disrupting the natural tear film, leading to discomfort and dryness.
Immediate First Aid
If soap gets into your eye, the first and most important step is to flush it thoroughly with clean water. Begin by washing your hands to ensure they are clean before touching your eye area. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately, as soap can get trapped underneath, prolonging irritation.
To flush your eye, stand over a sink and tilt your head so the affected eye is lower than the other, preventing the soap from spreading. Use a gentle, steady stream of clean, lukewarm water. Lukewarm water, between 60°F and 100°F (16°C and 38°C), is ideal to avoid further damage or discomfort. You can use a faucet, a showerhead on a low-pressure setting, or pour water from a clean cup or pitcher.
Keep the eye open as much as possible during flushing, gently holding the eyelid open if needed. Blink frequently to help wash out the soap and ensure the water flows across the entire surface of the eye. Continue flushing for at least 15 to 20 minutes to ensure all soap residue is removed.
What Not to Do
When soap gets in your eye, it is important to avoid certain actions that can worsen the irritation or cause injury. Do not rub your eye, even though it may be tempting due to the stinging sensation. Rubbing can spread the soap, intensify the discomfort, and potentially cause tiny scratches or abrasions on the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.
Avoid trying to neutralize the soap with other substances, as this can introduce new irritants or chemicals to the eye. Do not use medicated eye drops unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional, as they may contain ingredients that could react negatively with the soap or mask symptoms. Saline solution or artificial tears can be used after thorough flushing to soothe lingering discomfort, but they are not a substitute for initial water flushing.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most cases of soap in the eye are not serious and resolve after proper flushing, there are specific signs that indicate a need for medical attention. You should consult an eye doctor if you experience persistent pain, redness, or irritation that does not improve after thorough flushing, especially after 24 hours. Blurred vision that does not clear, increased sensitivity to light, or any discharge from the eye are also reasons to seek professional care.
A feeling that something is still in your eye after flushing warrants immediate medical evaluation. In such cases, a doctor can perform a detailed examination to check for corneal abrasions or other damage, and may provide further flushing or prescribe medications to aid recovery. Prompt consultation ensures any potential complications are addressed to protect your vision.