What Does
Chemical Eye Injury Mean?
A chemical eye injury is an injury to the eye caused by a liquid that is either too high or too low on the pH scale.
Liquids too high on the scale are known as alkali. Alkali injuries cause liquefaction necrosis, which causes cells to become less solid. Liquids too low on the scale are known as acids. Acid eye injuries cause coagulation necrosis, making the cells more solid.
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Safeopedia Explains Chemical Eye Injury
Chemical eye injuries make up one to two of every 10 cases of ocular trauma.
Alkali are more commonly used in industrial settings. As a result of this, alkali eye injuries occur more frequently than acid injuries.
Chemical eye injuries can quickly cause extensive or permanent damage. An eye exposed to a hazardous chemical should immediately be flushed out to neutralize the acid or alkali. If the burn is severe, the affected worker should continue to flush their eye until they can receive medical treatment.
When flushing the eye, it should be kept wide open to ensure that the affected eye is thoroughly washed. Anyone providing assistance to the injured employee should make sure their hands are thoroughly clean and free of hazardous substances.
Call emergency services as soon as the injury occurs.