Table of contents:
- Types of chemicals
- First aid when the eyes are exposed to chemicals
- What kind of treatment will you get?
- Other additional treatment
- Can vision be impaired?
- If you have vision problems, is it still curable?
Eye exposure to chemicals is not uncommon. Often times exposure to the eyes is due to carelessness or coincidence either by yourself or by those around you. Like what types of chemicals to watch out for? What should be done if the eye is exposed to chemicals? The article below will help answer your question.
Types of chemicals
There are various types of chemicals that can be found in household appliances, some of which are:
- Sulfuric acid in batteries.
- Acetic acid in vinegar.
- Ammonia in cleaning fluids such as carbolic acid.
- Magnesium hydroxide in fireworks.
- Calcium hydroxide in cement.
In addition, of course, there are many other types of chemicals that can enter the eye. What will happen after the eye is exposed to a chemical depends on the chemical substance and how much substance is entered.
First aid when the eyes are exposed to chemicals
The initial action you can take if you are exposed or find a person who has a chemical in the eye is to wash your eyes with clean running water for 10-15 minutes. Don't just wash it for a while!
After you clean your eyes with clean water, immediately go to the nearest Emergency Room (IGD) or clinic.
What kind of treatment will you get?
Drops will be given to your eye first to reduce the pain you feel. Next, the eye will be washed using sterile water to the top and bottom of the eyelid. After making sure there are no more chemicals left (by measuring the degree of acidity), you will be given antibiotic eye drops and corticosteroids. The drops will generally be used for 7 days.
Other additional treatment
After being treated at a clinic or hospital, you may need to do outpatient care. The following are types of drugs that may be given if the eyes are exposed to chemicals.
- Vitamin C drops and drink to help the tissue healing process.
- Drinking antibiotic (doxycyline) which helps reduce inflammation.
- Take Acetazolamide if you find signs of increased eye pressure.
Can vision be impaired?
Visual disturbances that occur after exposure to chemicals will vary in each case. This depends on the type, quantity, area, and speed of handling after exposure to the chemical. Broadly speaking, if your cornea is still clear then your vision will not be disturbed.
However, if your cornea has turned white, generally the vision problems you get will persist. In some severe cases, you may lose your vision or experience blindness.
If you have vision problems, is it still curable?
Surgery (keratoplasty) can be performed on visual disturbances caused by corneal damage. This action can only be done at least 6 months from the time it is exposed to chemicals. This is because keratoplasty can only be done when there is no more inflammation in the eye.
Consult your questions or complaints directly to the ophthalmologist to prevent the condition from getting worse as well as to speed up recovery. Also ask the doctor what taboos must be obeyed during the healing period after the eye is exposed to chemicals.
