Act fast on corrosive substances in the eye

Laboratory workers and lifeguards are often affected by workplace accidents involving chemicals

09/07/2013

Whether it is a laboratory employee or a lifeguard - when it comes to the professional handling of chemicals, there are always workplace accidents in which caustic substances such as sulfuric acid or caustic soda get into the eye. In such a case, especially fast help is very important, because the chemicals can cause serious damage.

Chemical substances: Eye contact may cause burns or even blindness
In particular, when working in the laboratory, but also as a lifeguard in the swimming pool happen again and again accidents in connection with chemical substances that can cause serious health damage especially in contact with the eyes. As soon as splashes of corrosive chemicals such as sulfuric acid or caustic soda become visible, immediate action should be taken, said Michael Nasterlack of the German Society for Occupational Medicine „dpa“ - On the other hand, burns threaten or even blindness in the worst case.

Rinse eye for at least 15 minutes
In addition, according to Nasterlack, it is important for those affected to proceed correctly after such an accident by - as soon as any chemicals have hit the eye - they should immediately go to the nearest faucet and rinse the eye thoroughly with water. This should be after nasal varnish, however „At least 15 minutes to be made ", besides, the water would be the best „from the inside of the eye to the outside“ because if it is done the other way around, the chemicals would in the worst case also damage the organ on the other side.

Remove contact lenses later
Patients should be helped in the event of an accident best by others, because acid in the eye would cause in most people, a pinch of the eyes, so the recommendation Nasterlacks. Therefore, a colleague could provide important support by helping to keep the eyelid up. If you wear contact lenses, you should not lose any of your eye contact with chemical substances according to Nasterlack to take them out, but at first take care of the thorough rinsing of the eye - and then visit an ophthalmologist.

Risks due to caustic soda or pipe cleaners, even with housework
Although people in the above occupations are particularly at risk, it can of course also occur when working in the household that dangerous chemical substances in the eye and cause an acid burn. According to information from the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, the so-called alkali causticization, for example by caustic soda or alkaline compounds (such as pipe cleaner) are particularly dangerous - because these substances would be very fast „Significant damage to the anterior segment of the eye (cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids)“ to lead.

Important: Take packaging or corrosive substance yourself to the ophthalmologist Accordingly, the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital advises after accidents at home for an immediate and thorough flushing of the eye, because this would „sometimes about the extent and severity of permanent damage“ decide - therefore the tip: „Rinse immediately with Selterwasser, flower water or cooled tea, than later with distilled sterile water.“ In addition, the nearest eye care facility should be consulted immediately, in parallel to the irrigation, if possible without interrupting the eye rinse. Important: If available, the packaging or corrosive substance should be taken to the doctor, so that it can be exactly identified. (No)

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