First Aid Guides
Eye injury (chemical burns)
Causes, signs and symptoms
Most chemical eye injuries occur at work. However, household burns frequently occur from cleaning products or other regular household products.
These injuries can be just as dangerous and must be treated seriously and immediately.
Causes of chemical burns to the eye
Chemical burns to the eye can be divided into three categories: alkali burns, acid burns, and irritants.
Alkali burns
- Ammonia, lye, potassium hydroxide, magnesium, and lime
- Fertilizers
- Cleaning products
- Plaster or cement
Acid burns
- Sulfuric and sulphurous acid
- Hydrochloric hydrofluoric acid
- Nitric acetic and chromic acid
- Glass polish
- Vinegar
- Nail polish remover
Irritants
- Soaps and sanitisers
- Detergents
- Shampoos
- Aerosols
Symptoms of chemical burns to the eye
The symptoms of a chemical burn depend on the substance splashed into the eyes, but may include:
- Stinging
- Burning sensation
- Redness
- pain
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Watery eyes
