The intense, immediate pain felt when chili gets into the eye is caused by a chemical compound called capsaicin, the active ingredient responsible for the pepper’s heat. This oily substance binds to sensory nerve endings in the eye’s surface, activating the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor. The activation of this receptor sends signals to the brain that mimic the sensation of excessive heat, resulting in acute burning, tearing, and redness. Understanding this chemical irritant is the first step toward effective relief.
Immediate Steps for Relief
Avoid the instinctive reaction to rub the affected eye, as this action will only spread the capsaicin oil and increase the duration of the pain. The first action is to immediately flush the eye with a large volume of cool, clean water or a sterile saline solution. The goal is to physically dilute and wash away the oily capsaicin from the ocular surface.
Use a gentle, continuous stream, such as from a showerhead or a sink faucet, directed across the affected eye for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. While flushing, the eye should be held open as much as possible and blinked rapidly to ensure the irritant is washed out from under the eyelids. Capsaicin is not water-soluble, which is why copious flushing is necessary to physically remove the compound rather than dissolving it.
After the initial flushing, apply a cold compress to the closed eyelid to soothe the burning sensation. For the surrounding skin, a cloth soaked in cold milk can be pressed gently against the area, as the fat and casein proteins in dairy products can help neutralize the capsaicin oil. Milk should be kept on the skin around the eye and not poured directly into the eyeball itself, due to the risk of introducing non-sterile substances and bacteria.
How Long the Burning Sensation Lasts
The duration of the intense burning sensation is highly variable, depending mainly on the concentration of capsaicin and how quickly and effectively the initial flushing is performed. For mild exposure, the most severe pain may subside within 15 to 45 minutes following thorough decontamination. More significant exposure from hotter peppers can lead to intense discomfort that may last for one to two hours, even after aggressive flushing.
The painful response occurs because the capsaicin remains bound to the TRPV1 receptors on your nerve endings, continuously sending pain signals. As the compound is gradually washed away and diluted by tears and irrigation, the receptor activity slows, and the pain begins to decrease. Relief is typically a gradual reduction in intensity rather than an instantaneous cessation. Residual irritation, redness, and a heightened sensitivity to light may persist for several hours after the acute pain has passed. The speed of decontamination is the most significant factor in minimizing the total duration of the burning.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most chili-in-the-eye incidents are temporary and resolve with home care, certain symptoms require immediate professional medical attention. If the severe, acute burning pain persists strongly for more than two hours after consistent flushing, consult an eye doctor. This lingering pain may suggest that a significant amount of capsaicin remains or that a secondary issue has developed.
Any noticeable change in vision, such as persistent blurriness, double vision, or a reduction in visual acuity that does not quickly resolve after the initial flushing, should be evaluated immediately. Seek help if you observe signs of a potential infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or a discharge of pus once the initial irritation has subsided. Rubbing the eye can sometimes cause a corneal abrasion, so if you feel a sharp, stabbing pain or the sensation of something being physically stuck in the eye, seek professional care.