The sudden spray of liquid from a broken glow stick into the eye can be frightening, causing immediate discomfort. While these novelty items are popular for their bright, temporary light, the fluid inside is highly irritating to delicate eye tissues. Fortunately, the chemicals have low systemic toxicity, meaning they are unlikely to cause poisoning throughout the body. The primary danger is the chemical burn and physical damage they inflict on the eye’s surface, which necessitates immediate and decisive action.
Understanding the Irritants
The light in a glow stick is produced through chemiluminescence, relying on the reaction between two main chemical components. Inside the outer plastic casing is a mixture containing a fluorescent dye and an oxalate ester. A separate, small glass vial holds the second component, typically hydrogen peroxide, which acts as the oxidizing agent. When the stick is bent, the inner vial breaks, allowing the components to mix and initiate the glowing reaction.
The most significant irritant to the eye is the solvent used in the mixture, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP). This oily, clear liquid is not corrosive but causes a severe, immediate burning sensation and irritation upon contact with the eye’s mucous membranes. The highly colored fluorescent dye is generally harmless but can worsen the appearance of the incident, causing further alarm.
Immediate Emergency Protocol
Time is the most important factor when glow stick fluid enters the eye, and flushing must begin within seconds to minimize tissue damage. Immediately move to the nearest source of clean, running water, such as a sink or shower, and begin rinsing the affected eye. Use cool or lukewarm tap water, ensuring the flow is gentle but steady, rather than a strong jet.
While flushing, tilt the head so the affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye, allowing the water to drain away from the face. This prevents the chemical residue from washing into the healthy eye. The eyelids must be held open to ensure the water reaches all parts of the eye surface, including underneath the lids.
If you wear contact lenses, attempt to remove them during the flushing process, but only if they come out easily. The rinsing process must be continuous for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. Following this extended period of irrigation, contact the Poison Control Center or seek medical attention.
Expected Symptoms and Professional Follow-Up
Even after thorough rinsing, it is common to experience several uncomfortable symptoms due to the chemical irritation. Initial exposure often results in intense pain, a burning or stinging sensation, excessive tearing, and pronounced redness of the eye. You may also notice temporary blurry vision or a heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
After immediate first aid, professional medical evaluation is recommended to check for damage. An eye care specialist or emergency room physician will examine the cornea and conjunctiva for complications like a corneal abrasion or chemical conjunctivitis. The eye needs to be checked for particles from the broken glass vial or residual chemical irritation.
Severe symptoms, such as unrelenting pain, persistent vision loss, or noticeable swelling, require an immediate emergency room visit. The doctor may use a special dye to check for corneal surface damage, which can be treated with prescription eye drops to promote healing. Monitoring ensures that any temporary injury resolves completely and does not progress to long-term issues like corneal scarring.