Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Chemical in the eye

A chemical in the eye can damage its surface very quickly. Start rinsing immediately and continuously with plenty of clean lukewarm water; do not first try to identify the substance. Remove contact lenses only if this is easy, do not rub and do not try to neutralise the chemical. Have the eye professionally assessed after rinsing, especially with pain, redness, blurred vision or exposure to a corrosive substance.

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  • A chemical in the eye needs action without delay. Start rinsing immediately with plenty of clean lukewarm water; calling, searching or reading first wastes precious time.
  • If possible, keep the affected eye lower and let water run from the nose side outwards. This limits contamination of the other eye and skin.
  • Contact lenses can be removed if this is easy, but rinsing always comes first. A lens may retain a substance and must never be removed by force.
  • Never try to neutralise an acid or alkali yourself with another chemical. The reaction may produce heat and cause more damage.
  • Have the eye professionally assessed after initial rinsing. Outside office hours, call HAP 9252; Ambulance 912 is only for immediate danger to life.

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Further reading

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A
A blow to the eyeA blow to the eye can cause bruising, but also damage to the cornea, the eye chamber, the eye socket or the retina. Do not press on the eye or try to examine it yourself by pushing. Blood in front of the iris, reduced vision, double vision, flashes of light, new black spots, severe pain or nausea after an eye injury need prompt medical assessment. If the injury involves chemical exposure rather than a blunt impact, rinse immediately and seek prompt help afterwards too.
C
Contact lens problemsA red, painful or watery eye associated with contact lenses can range from irritation to a serious corneal infection. Remove your lenses immediately if symptoms develop and do not wear them again until a doctor or optometrist considers it safe. Pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or a white spot on the eye may indicate keratitis or a corneal ulcer and need prompt assessment. Do not use old drops or old lenses, and keep the lens and case if the doctor wants to examine them.
D
Dry eyesDry eyes occur when there is too little tear film, it evaporates too quickly or its quality is poor. Burning, stinging, grittiness, fluctuating blurred vision and, surprisingly, watery eyes are common. Sun, wind, air conditioning, screen use and contact lenses can worsen symptoms in Curaçao. A painful red eye or sudden loss of vision is not ordinary dryness.