A chemical splash in the eye is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. Whether from a household cleaner or industrial material, contact with harmful substances can damage the eye’s delicate tissues—sometimes within seconds.

This guide outlines what to do if a chemical enters the eye and when to seek emergency care.

Understanding the Risk

The eyes are usually well protected thanks to the body’s natural reflex to blink rapidly in response to danger. However, sometimes chemicals—whether liquid, powder, or gas—can still enter and cause damage.

Alkali chemicals (like drain cleaner or cement) typically cause more severe injuries than acidic chemicals because they can penetrate deeper into eye tissues.

Common high-risk substances include:

  • Oven and drain cleaners

  • Dishwasher detergents

  • Fertilizers

  • Concrete and mortar

  • Industrial solvents

  • Lye and ammonia

When to Call for Emergency Help

A chemical eye injury is always an emergency.

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

  • Visit an emergency room or, preferably, an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) as soon as possible.

  • Take the chemical container or product label with you. This helps medical staff identify the substance and determine appropriate treatment.

  • If available, wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity while waiting for care.

Immediate First Aid Steps

Acting fast can make a huge difference in protecting your vision. Here’s what to do right away if a chemical splashes into your eye:

1. Wash Your Hands

Before touching your face or eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This prevents transferring more of the chemical into your eye.

2. Remove Contact Lenses

If you're wearing contacts, remove them carefully. However, do not delay rinsing the eye to do this—begin flushing immediately and remove contacts as soon as it's safe.

3. Flush the Eye with Water

Rinse the affected eye using clean, lukewarm tap water for at least 20 minutes. The goal is to remove all traces of the chemical as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Choose the fastest option based on your situation:

In the Shower:

  • Direct a gentle stream of water on your forehead, just above the affected eye.

  • Or, if both eyes are affected, aim the water at the bridge of your nose.

  • Keep your eyes open with your fingers while flushing.

At a Sink or Faucet:

  • Lean forward and tilt your head so the affected eye faces downward.

  • Gently pull the eyelids open and position your eye under the stream of water.

For Infants and Children:

  • Have the child lie in a bathtub or lean back over a sink.

  • Gently pour lukewarm water over the forehead or nose bridge to flush one or both eyes.

  • Keep the eyelids open using clean fingers or a gentle touch.

If an eye-wash station is available (such as in a workplace), use it immediately.

What Not To Do

While it’s critical to act quickly, some actions can worsen the injury:

  • Do not rub the eye – This can spread the chemical and increase damage.

  • Do not use anything other than water or contact lens saline rinse – Avoid applying eye drops, milk, oils, or any liquids not approved by emergency responders.

  • Don’t delay flushing the eye, even if you’re waiting for emergency instructions.

Final Notes

Even after first aid, professional medical evaluation is essential. Eye damage from chemicals can worsen over time or lead to complications such as vision loss, infection, or scarring.

Be sure to:

  • Follow up with an eye doctor after any chemical eye exposure, even if symptoms seem mild.

  • Report the name or type of chemical involved.

  • Follow all post-treatment instructions carefully.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of chemical eye injuries:

  • Wear protective eyewear when handling cleaning products, gardening chemicals, or during construction work.

  • Store chemicals safely, out of reach of children and away from food areas.

  • Read labels and use products as directed, especially those with strong ingredients.

  • Keep eye-wash stations or saline rinses readily accessible in high-risk areas.