Is it possible for eye flushing to cause meaningful damage?
JUN 14, 2023
Question:
Is it possible for eye flushing to cause meaningful damage? I had something get near my eyes, so I flushed them for 10 minutes. My left eye was irritated and hurting, but looked and felt fine by the morning.
Answer:
Eye flushing (preferably with sterile saline or tap water) for 10 to 15 minutes will not cause any permanent damage to your eyes, and is definitely recommended if someone gets a potentially harmful chemical or substance in their eyes.
If you splashed a chemical or caustic substance into your eye, please see an ophthalmologist immediately (or go to the Emergency Room) as soon as you have finished irrigating (flushing) the eye.