A splash of vape juice in the eye is a painful and potentially serious chemical emergency that requires immediate attention. The liquid contains various chemical components that can cause rapid irritation and damage to the delicate surface of the eye. Because the eye is highly absorbent, the ingredients in e-liquid can be absorbed locally, causing injury, or enter the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic effects. Swift action is necessary to minimize the risk of harm to your vision and overall health.
Immediate First Aid Steps
The most important action is to flush the eye thoroughly with clean water to dilute and wash away the chemicals. You must begin rinsing within seconds of the exposure, as the corrosive potential of the liquid acts quickly on the eye’s surface. Do not rub your eye, as this can worsen the irritation and potentially scratch the cornea, driving the chemical further into the tissue.
Start by washing your hands to ensure you do not introduce more irritants to the area. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately before or during the rinsing process, as they can trap the chemical against the eye.
The affected eye must be flushed continuously for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes, using a gentle flow of clean, lukewarm tap water or a sterile saline eyewash solution. A highly effective technique is to step into a shower and aim a soft stream of water at your forehead, allowing the water to run down over the affected eye. You can also lean over a sink and use a gentle stream from a faucet, ensuring you tilt your head so the contaminated water flows away from the unaffected eye. During the rinsing, use your fingers to hold the eyelids open as wide as possible to ensure the water reaches all parts of the eye.
Understanding the Potential Damage
Vape juice, or e-liquid, is primarily composed of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), along with flavorings and often high concentrations of nicotine. Both PG and VG cause immediate irritation and a drying effect on the eye’s surface. Propylene glycol is a humectant that absorbs moisture, disrupting the natural tear film and leading to a gritty feeling, redness, and discomfort.
The thickening nature of vegetable glycerin can temporarily alter the tear film, resulting in blurred vision and light sensitivity. Flavorings contribute to stinging and irritation upon contact. The most concerning component is nicotine, which is rapidly absorbed through the mucous membranes of the eye. This absorption can cause localized effects, such as a change in pupil size, and may lead to systemic nicotine toxicity.
Monitoring Symptoms and Medical Intervention
After completing the 15 to 20 minutes of rinsing, it is necessary to assess the symptoms and seek professional medical advice. If you experience persistent or worsening pain, significant blurred vision, excessive redness, or extreme sensitivity to light, seek immediate medical evaluation. These symptoms suggest a potential chemical burn or significant damage to the cornea or conjunctiva.
Watch for signs of systemic nicotine poisoning, which can occur if a substantial amount of the chemical was absorbed. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart rate, or confusion. If any of these systemic symptoms develop, or if the eye pain is severe, visit an emergency room immediately.
For all chemical exposures to the eye, call the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance, even if symptoms seem mild after rinsing.