Chemical in eye

●Urgent

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Continued chemical exposure
Contaminated rinse water

Quick summary

Rinse eye with water 15 minutes. Hold lid open. Call 112 if still hurting.

Do This Now

Step 1: Flush the eye with clean running water immediately
Step 2: Hold eyelids open gently while rinsing
Step 3: Remove contact lenses if easy — keep rinsing
Step 4: Call 112 if pain continues or vision changes
Step 5: Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT rub the eye — this spreads the chemical and worsens injury.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use neutralizing agents like vinegar or baking soda unless poison control directs you.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108 if severe pain, chemical is strong (acid/alkali), or vision is affected.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell them the chemical name if known and that you have been flushing the eye.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Any strong chemical, persistent pain, or vision change needs emergency eye care.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All significant chemical eye exposures need professional evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bring the chemical container or label to the hospital if safe to do so.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Flush with water and call for help. Do not try to neutralize chemicals or use eye drops unless directed by a professional.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

Full guide and explanation →

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 5

Call 112