Should I seek treatment after exposing my eyes to intense heat from my oven?
JAN 04, 2024
Question:
Last night I stood in front of a 425 degree oven (door open) to pour batter into a shell. I felt my earring burn against my face and quickly moved away but about 10 minutes later I felt a burning sensation in my eyeball, which radiated pain into my eye socket. After flushing my eye with cool water, I felt pain radiating in my eye but was able to sleep. This morning I still felt some pain, which is uncomfortable but manageable. My vision seems normal but I am concerned something may be going on inside. Should I seek medical attention or wait and see if it passes?
Answer:
Intense heat and radiation can damage the front surface of the cornea and cause blurred vision, pain, tearing, and redness. If any substances get into your eye, the best remedy is to immediately flush the eye with water and seek medical attention. It's always the best option to seek medical attention if there is any concern about damage to the eye. Your ophthalmologist will be able to assess the severity of the injury and prescribe any antibiotics or other remedies as needed.
This question was originally answered on Dec. 20, 2013.