If you get bleach in your eye, it is a medical emergency because bleach is a highly corrosive alkaline chemical that can cause severe damage to the eye tissues and nerves, potentially leading to permanent vision loss
What happens to your eye after bleach exposure:
- Immediate symptoms include eye watering, eyelid twitching, redness, inflammation of the conjunctiva, irritation, and pain
- Bleach can cause chemical burns to the cornea and conjunctiva, corneal abrasions (scratches), inflammation, conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal ulcers, and increased risk of infection
- Damage can occur rapidly, within 5 to 15 minutes of exposure, and severity depends on bleach concentration, exposure duration, and promptness of treatment
What to do immediately if bleach gets in your eye:
- Flush your eye immediately with lukewarm water or saline solution for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Keep your eye open and move it around to ensure thorough rinsing. Use a gentle, steady stream of water from a faucet, shower, or eyewash station
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after rinsing to avoid further contamination
- Remove contact lenses only after flushing for several minutes to avoid trapping bleach under the lenses
- Do not rub your eye , as this can worsen the damage
- After flushing, seek emergency medical attention immediately to have your eyes evaluated and treated. Doctors will check the pH level of your eye and may continue irrigation or provide medications to reduce inflammation and prevent infection
Possible outcomes without prompt treatment:
- Permanent vision loss due to nerve and tissue damage
- Severe chemical burns and scarring
- Long-term inflammation and sensitivity
- Increased risk of infections and corneal ulcers
In summary, bleach in the eye causes serious chemical injury that requires immediate and prolonged flushing with water followed by urgent medical care to minimize lasting damage and preserve vision
