Print this topic

HealthInfo Canterbury

Chemicals in the eye

Poihana ki te karu

Important

Phone 111 immediately and ask for an ambulance if the chemical is causing burning or stinging in the person's eyes. Don't rub the affected eye(s). Rinse or flush the affected eye(s) with clean room temperature water from a tap or low-pressure hose for at least 15 minutes.

Give the chemical container to the ambulance team when they arrive.

How to tell if someone has chemicals in their eyes

Ask the person what has happened. If they've spilled or splashed chemicals into their eyes, they'll experience one or more of the following:

Helping someone who has chemicals in their eyes

eye wash first aid

 

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.

Sources

Page reference: 284719

Review key: HIFAD-141030