How should you manage an eye exposure to chemicals in the field?

• A. Immediate copious irrigation with clean water or saline for 15-20 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and seek care
• B. Wipe with dry cloth
• C. Apply ointment
• D. Bandage and wait

Answer: (A)

When chemicals splashed into the eye, the top priority is to flush them out quickly and thoroughly to dilute and remove the irritant and protect the corneal tissue. In the field, use clean running water or saline and rinse the eye for about 15 to 20 minutes, keeping the eye open and allowing a steady flow to wash away the chemical. If a contact lens is present and it’s safe to do so, remove it during or after the rinse and continue irrigating. After the irrigation, seek urgent medical care because chemical exposures can continue to damage eye tissues even after washing.

Wiping with a dry cloth, applying ointment, or bandaging and waiting are not appropriate first steps. Wiping can spread or reintroduce the chemical and may scratch the eye. Ointment can obscure the assessment, blur vision, and delay proper treatment. Bandaging and waiting delays evaluation and can trap residual chemical, increasing the risk of ongoing damage.