Of all of the causes of single-eye blindness, accidents and trauma rank among the most common. With such common use of chemical components at work, around the house, and even at school, a chemical burn to the eye may not altogether be a rare problem. Chemical explosions from poorly stored liquids or leaks from poorly manufactured bottles can especially contribute to the possibility of suffering a chemical burn to the eye. Chemical exposure is also particularly high among industrial and manufacturing workers.

Injuries from chemicals require quick treatment

Like other burns, injuries from chemicals require quick treatment. Any injury to the eye must be handled delicately to preserve the health of the eye. In the case of an accident involving chemicals, it is common practice to use clean water or a salt water solution to flush the irritants safely from the eye. Although the problem may be the introduction of an acid, it is inadvisable to attempt to balance out the acidity of the chemical. Instead, flushing and diluting has proven significantly more useful.

Exposure to various chemicals can potentially cause eye damage. Here are some common chemicals that are known to be hazardous to the eyes:

1. Acids: Strong acids, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, can cause severe eye damage upon contact.
2. Alkalis: Strong alkaline substances, like sodium hydroxide (lye), can also lead to serious eye injuries.
3. Solvents: Certain solvents, including acetone, methanol, or toluene, may be irritating to the eyes and cause damage.
4. Cleaning Agents: Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the eyes. This includes bleach and ammonia-based cleaners.
5. Pesticides: Agricultural and household pesticides can cause eye irritation and damage if not handled properly.
6. Irritants: Various irritants, such as pepper spray or tear gas, can cause temporary eye discomfort or damage.

If you are working with any chemicals or substances that could pose a risk to your eyes, it’s essential to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety goggles or face shields, to prevent eye exposure. In case of accidental exposure, rinse the eyes with water immediately and seek medical attention if needed.

Always follow safety guidelines, use caution, and be aware of the potential hazards associated with the chemicals you are working with. If you have a specific chemical in mind or need more detailed information, please let us know.

The damage done to the eye can prove severe

The damage done to the eye can prove severe if not treated promptly. The irritant can potentially destroy important tissue in a matter of minutes, meaning that emergency treatment should be sought right after the accident. Although contacting emergency workers is always a good idea, flushing the eye with clean water or a saline solution should commence before these individuals arrive.

The first areas to be significantly damaged include the conjunctiva and the cornea

With the introduction of hazardous material to the eye, the first areas to be significantly damaged include the conjunctiva and the cornea. As the conjunctiva works to protect the eye from microbial damage or infection and helps to lubricate the eye, chemical burns to this region can cause serious health problems later. If the chemicals affect the cornea, eye sight may be lost as a result.

For more information regarding a victim’s response to improper chemical storage and manufacturing negligence, contact a personal injury attorney.