What should you do if etch or sealant make contact with the eyes?

• A. Immediately rinse the eye with plenty of water and seek medical attention
• B. Rinse with water and rub your eye
• C. Blot dry and continue
• D. Wait and see if symptoms develop

Answer: (A)

When etch or sealant contacts the eye, the priority is to rapidly dilute and remove the chemical to prevent or limit damage to the cornea. Begin flushing the eye with a generous amount of clean water or saline right away, keeping the eyelids open and directing the flow from the inner corner toward the outer corner to protect the other eye. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical evaluation after the irrigation to assess for injury and receive any needed treatment. Do not rub the eye, do not blot it dry, and do not delay care waiting for symptoms to develop. If possible, remove contact lenses after irrigation has started, but do not delay rinsing to do so.