Burns-Chemical burns of the eye: Its cause, diagnose and first aid treatment

Chemical burns of the eye: Its cause, diagnose and first aid treatment

Corrosive chemicals may accidentally enter the eye, e.g. acids, alkalis, corrosives, hot ash etc. Acid injuries in the eye are non-progressive, whereas alkali injuries are progressive. Both can cause serious damage to the eye such as severe scarring and even blindness. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.

1. There is a history of the chemical splashing into the eye.
2. There is severe pain in affected the eye.
3. The eye may be tightly closed and the victim may resist attempts at opening it.

First Aid                       

1. Hold the affected side of the victim’s face under gently running cold water so that water drains away from the other eye. Wash the face, eyelids and the eye thoroughly for at least 10-15 minutes.
2. Open the eyelids and pour from the comer of the eye outwards taking that chemical not the eye.
3. Cover the eye.
4. Shift him to a hospital immediately.