How should you treat a chemical eye injury?

Flushing the eye for a minimum of 15 minutes is the recommended first aid response for a chemical eye injury. This is crucial because it helps to dilute and remove the chemical substance that has come into contact with the eye, thus minimizing damage to the eye tissues. Water or a saline solution is typically used for this purpose, and the flushing should be done gently to ensure that the entire surface of the eye is thoroughly rinsed.

Immediate rinsing helps prevent the chemical from causing deeper penetration into eye structures, which can lead to more severe injuries, including vision loss. It’s important not to delay this action, as the longer a chemical remains in contact with the eye, the greater the potential for injury.

Other options would not effectively address the situation. Applying lubricant may provide comfort but does not remove the chemical. Seeking medical attention without rinsing would allow the chemical to continue damaging the eye. Covering the eye with a bandage and waiting is also inappropriate, as this could trap the chemical and worsen the injury.