Hydrogen peroxide is a common household chemical used as an antiseptic or cleaning agent. Contact with the eye must be treated as a chemical exposure because the substance acts as an oxidizing agent, capable of causing irritation and damage. Since potential injury relates directly to the solution’s concentration and duration of contact, immediate action is necessary to minimize harm. Proper first aid steps should be initiated before seeking further medical advice.
The Critical First Aid Step: Immediate Flushing
The first step after getting hydrogen peroxide in your eye is to begin flushing the affected area immediately with a gentle, continuous stream of water. This action, known as ocular irrigation, serves to dilute and physically remove the chemical from the eye’s surface. The recommended duration for this procedure is a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to ensure adequate decontamination.
To perform the irrigation correctly, use lukewarm tap water or a sterile saline solution, if available, and hold your head tilted over a sink or basin. You must manually hold the eyelid open with your fingers to guarantee that the water reaches all surfaces of the eye, including under the lids. If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them during the flushing process, but do not interrupt the continuous flow of water to do so.
Even while flushing, the eye will likely sting and burn, but this discomfort should not cause you to stop the irrigation prematurely. This initial sensation is often accompanied by temporary frothing or bubbling on the eye’s surface. This occurs because the hydrogen peroxide rapidly decomposes into water and oxygen gas upon contact with the enzyme catalase, which is naturally present in your tissues.
Assessing Eye Symptoms and Potential Damage
After completing the 15-to-20-minute flushing process, you will likely experience symptoms due to chemical irritation. Common initial symptoms include persistent redness of the conjunctiva, tearing, and the feeling that a foreign object is lodged in the eye. Although household hydrogen peroxide is typically a 3% solution, even this low concentration can cause significant surface irritation.
The risk of severe damage escalates with higher concentrations, such as industrial or commercial-grade products, which can be 10% or greater. These stronger solutions are capable of causing chemical burns and ulceration of the cornea. After flushing, observe the eye for persistent or worsening symptoms that indicate potential damage, including blurry vision, swelling of the eyelid or surrounding tissue, and increased sensitivity to light.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is required, even if the initial flushing seems to have resolved the most severe pain. Certain “red flag” symptoms necessitate an urgent evaluation by an ophthalmologist or an emergency room visit. These include any pain that persists or worsens after you have completed the 15 minutes of irrigation.
A noticeable change in vision, such as new or worsening blurring, double vision, or partial vision loss, requires immediate care. Continued light sensitivity, known as photophobia, suggests potential damage to the cornea. If the solution was a highly concentrated product, such as a hair bleaching solution or an industrial cleaner, seek medical help without delay. When speaking with medical staff, report the estimated concentration and the total duration of the exposure to aid in diagnosis and treatment.