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Spanish Translation

Red Disposition Plus Eye Flushing

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

If a chemical got in the eye:

  • Call the local poison control center or the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222). The poison control center will tell you exactly what to do.

For any other burns to the eye:

  • Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
  • If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.
  • You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
    • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
    • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

The immediate first aid for chemical or heat burns in the eye area is to flush the eye with cool water for at least 30 minutes.

Flushing your eye is the most important first aid measure for something in the eye.

  • If you are wearing contacts, remove them before flushing your eye.
  • Flush the eye from the inner corner toward the outer corner. This prevents a substance in one eye from washing into the other eye.
  • Flush the eye with cool water.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.