What to Do If Sanitizer Goes into Eyes
Accidents happen, and sometimes, they can be quite unpleasant. One such incident is when hand sanitizer accidentally gets into your eyes. This can cause a burning sensation, redness, and discomfort. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what you should do to alleviate the pain and prevent further damage.
First and foremost, do not rub your eyes. Rubbing can cause the sanitizer to spread and potentially worsen the irritation. Instead, gently rinse your eyes with water immediately. Hold your eye open and rinse it for at least 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them as soon as possible to prevent the sanitizer from getting trapped under them.
If you have access to an eyewash station or a sterile saline solution, use it to rinse your eyes. These solutions are designed to be gentle on the eyes and can help remove the sanitizer more effectively. If you’re at home, you can use lukewarm tap water to rinse your eyes.
After rinsing your eyes, assess the level of discomfort. If the pain persists or if you experience blurred vision, it’s essential to seek medical attention. An eye doctor can examine your eyes and provide appropriate treatment, such as eye drops or a prescription for pain relief.
In the meantime, avoid touching your eyes with your hands or any other objects. This will help prevent the introduction of additional bacteria or irritants into your eyes.
To prevent such accidents in the future, consider the following tips:
1. Keep hand sanitizer out of reach of children and pets.
2. Always read the instructions on the hand sanitizer bottle before using it.
3. When applying hand sanitizer, be cautious and avoid getting it near your eyes.
4. Keep a bottle of sterile saline solution or an eyewash station handy for emergencies.
Remember, if sanitizer goes into your eyes, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow the appropriate steps to minimize the discomfort and potential damage. By being prepared and taking the right actions, you can ensure a safe and healthy recovery.
