24/02/2020
Chemical burns
A chemical burn occurs when a liquid or powder chemical contacts the eye. Most commonly, the injury happens when a chemical splashes over the face. However, chemical burns may also result from rubbing your eyes after handling chemicals. Depending on the chemical and the degree of exposure, the potential for injury ranges from temporary redness and irritation to blindness.
Symptoms of chemical burns to the eye
The symptoms of a chemical burn depend on the substance splashed into the eyes, but may include:
• stinging
• a burning sensation
• redness
• pain
• swelling of the eyelids
• Blurry vision.
Complications of chemical burns to the eye
Complications of severe chemical burns can include:
• corneal perforation – full thickness damage to the cornea, the clear surface of the eye
• corneal ulcer – superficial damage to the cornea
• cataracts – an abnormal clouding of the eye’s lens
• Glaucoma – high pressure within the eye, which damages the optic nerve.
First aid suggestions for chemical burns to the eye
Liquid or powder splashes from chemicals may seriously damage the eye. In many cases, prompt and thorough rinsing of the eye (with saline or fresh water), dramatically reduces the risk of injury and long-term damage. It is often better to go straight to the nearest tap than to wait for saline from the first aid kit.
First aid suggestions include:
• Hold your face under running water for 15 to 20 minutes and allow the water stream to flood into your eyes. Use your fingers to hold your eyelids apart (make sure there is no trace of the chemical on your fingers).
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them as soon as possible.
• Seek immediate medical advice. Medical staff will need to know what chemical was involved, particularly whether it was acid or alkaline, liquid or powder.
• Do not judge the seriousness of your eye injury on the degree of pain. For example, alkali chemicals don’t usually cause significant symptoms, but can seriously damage the eye.
• Powder chemicals can be particularly damaging since they are more difficult to flush out.
Always wear eye protection
Estimates suggest that about 90 per cent of chemical burns to the eye are avoidable. Wear eye protection every time you handle liquid or powder chemicals. Prescription glasses or sunglasses do not provide reliable protection, because the loose fit allows liquids or powder to splash behind the frames.
Appropriate safety gear is the best way to reduce your risk of injury. Options depend on the job, but may include:
• safety glasses – look similar to regular prescription glasses, but have shatter-resistant lenses, stronger frames and side shields. However, safety glasses do not seal against the face, which means liquids may splash or run into the eyes. Safety glasses may be an option if the risk of splash is low or if the liquid is non-toxic
• safety goggles – are made from smash-resistant materials and seal against the face. Some styles of safety goggles are large enough to be worn over the top of prescription glasses
• face shields – offer maximum protection against splash injury. In some cases, safety goggles are also worn. Face shields are recommended when handling dangerous chemicals, such as corrosive liquids or powders, cryogenic fluids or biological materials.
