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Burn Injuries to the Eye

Home Treatment, Symptoms, and Care Methods

May 15, 2009 Naheed Ali

The majority of things that get in a person's eyes (that make the eyes burn), won't result in serious eye issues, but prevention and proper care is always a good thing.

The only therapy required for products like soaps, shampoos, and fragrances that enter the eyes is to immediately rinse the eyes with fresh water.

After rinsing, the eyes may be somewhat painful and irritated, but these signs and symptoms should disappear rapidly.

Chemical burns will occur when a solid or liquid chemical or chemical vapors get inside the eye. A lot of substances will not result in injury if they are rinsed out of the eye immediately. Acids and alkali materials may injure the eye.

It can take twenty-four hours once the burn takes place to find out the severity of an eye burn. Chemical vapors and fumes may also hurt the eyes.

How the Eyes can Get Burned

Gusts of hot air or steam actually burn the eyes and face. Sudden bursts of flames or flash fires coming from ovens or explosives may also burn the eyes and face.

Eyes that are not shielded with a mask or UV (ultraviolet) filtering shades may get burned by exposure to the high-intensity illumination of a welder's gear (torch or arc) or to bright sunshine (particularly if the sun is reflecting off snow or water).

The eyeballs also can be harmed by other types of bright lights, like from tanning stalls or sunlamps. It may require up to twenty-four hours for the severity of the eye damage to be recognized.

After a burn trauma to the eye, it is essential to check for signs and symptoms of an eye infection.

Home Treatment for Eye Burns

Immediately wash the eye using cool water. Promptly diluting the chemical decreases the risk of intense eye injury. First aid for heat burns to the eyes or the region around the eyes involves immediately rinsing the eye with cold water.

Fill up the sink or dishpan with water. Dip your face in the water, and open and close your eyes to drive water to all areas of the eye. When your eye symptoms are not improved following twenty-four hours of home therapy, an examination by a physician may be required.

Prevention of Burns to the Eye

The following tips may help prevent burns to the eye:

Use safety glasses, goggles, or face screens if working with building tools or chemicals or performing any physical activity that may result in an object or substance to get inside the eyes. If you work with risky chemicals that could somehow splash in the eyes, be mindful of the appropriate technique for rinsing substances out as well as the location of the closest shower or sink.
Use a mask or goggles configured for welding if you are welding or are near an individual who is welding. Burns from UV light source may be avoided by using sunglasses that stop ultraviolet rays and by putting on broad-brimmed hats.

Be mindful that the eyes get injured from glare during skiing, sunbathing, and boating. Wear eye protection when under tanning lamps or whenever inside tanning booths. Lastly, laser pointers and similar devices may produce eye damage when pointed consistently towards the eyes.