Burns to the Eye
Chemical burns can happen if a solid or liquid chemical or chemical fumes get into the eye. Many substances will not cause damage if they are flushed out of the eye quickly. Acids and alkali substances can damage the eye. It may take 24 hours after the burn occurs to determine the seriousness of an eye burn. Chemical fumes and vapors can also irritate the eyes.
Burns to the eyelid or eye can cause eye problems. Blasts of hot air or steam can burn the face and eyes. Bursts of flames or flash fires from stoves or explosives can also burn the face and eyes.
Eyes that are not protected by a mask or ultraviolet (UV) filtering sunglasses can be burned by exposure to the high-intensity light of a welder's equipment (torch or arc) or to bright sunlight (especially when the sun is reflecting off snow or water). The eyes also may be injured by other bright lights, such as from tanning booths or sunlamps. It may take up to 24 hours for the extent of the eye injury to be known.
After a burn injury to the eye, it is important to watch for symptoms of an eye infection.
Home treatment may relieve your eye symptoms.
First aid for chemical burns to the eye. Immediately flush the eye with cool water. Quickly diluting the chemical reduces the chance of serious eye damage.
First aid for heat burns to the eyes or the area around the eyes. Immediately flush the eye with cool water. Fill a sink or dishpan with water. Put your face in the water, then open and close your eyelids to force water to all parts of your eye.
If your eye symptoms are not 100% better after 24 hours of home treatment, an evaluation by a doctor is needed.