Sciencemadness Discussion Board

NaOH in the eyes

terrax753 - 10-5-2011 at 06:17

I could not find a board on which this seemed appropriate to post. So, I have chosen to just post it here. Moderators, if you think a different board would be a better place for this, then please, relocate it as you see fit.

Anyway, late yesterday afternoon, around 17:00, I had an accident involving sodium hydroxide.

I had this little 30 mL bottle. In it, I poured a solution of NaOH. It was no more than halfway to saturation.

I was wanting to fill a party balloon with hydrogen. So, I put a bit of aluminium foil into the bottle, then covered the rim with the balloon.

Bad idea. Well, actually, no. I do not think so. It was just my implementation that was bad. I just threw it all together quickly and haphazardly. I had not tested the balloons. I had not tested how much aluminium foil to use.

In short, it basically blew up in my face. Though it had not been inflated that big, the balloon burst. I, standing no more than maybe a meter away, got splattered.

I did not know exactly what to do. So, I just reacted. I rushed to the bathroom and begin to rinse myself. My hands, my face... Especially my eyes. I tried my best to rinse them by splashing them with water.

I ended up filling a bucket with water. I submerged my head in it. Multiple times, I forced my eyes open underwater. For several minutes, I alternated between submersion and splash-rinsing.

Once the discomfort had subsided a bit, I reviewed the bottle of my sodium hydroxide. I was not exactly certain what it meant by "flush the eyes", but I figured it was basically what I had been doing.

I then cleaned up, took a shower, et cetera. By a few hours later, my right eye was still slightly bloodshot. Though, not very badly. Almost unnoticeable.

Late last night, I decided to do a more "proper" flushing of my eyes. For fifteen consecutive minutes, I did my best to keep my eye under running water. It was difficult, but I tried to keep the water running over it.

By the time I was done with the flushing, my eye felt a lot worse. Looked it, too. Very bloodshot. But, I think that is to be expected.

Still, some searching online has me worried. Should I seek medical attention? And, if so, whom?

Does anyone have any experience with this? Aside from further flushing, what more could a doctor do? Are there tests to determine whether I have rid my eye of the sodium hydroxide? With time, will my body be able to naturally dilute and remove any that might still be in there?

I have very mild burns on my left hand and forehead. Following the balloon burst, rinsing my eyes was my first priority. Skin was second.

By far, the burn on my left hand is the more severe of the two. Though, it feels no worse than a bad sunburn. It is now a little pink. And, during last night's shower, it was very sensitive to the hot, pressurized water coming from the showerhead.

The small burn on my forehead just felt kind of like a carpet burn or something. It already seems to be all better.

But what about my eyes? They do not feel that bad. The right seems a little dry. And it is a bit bloodshot. About the same as last night after the fifteen minutes of flushing. (It looked better beforehand.)

Actually, any eye discomfort I have right now seems to be external to the eye. Like the outer corner of the lower lid of my right eye, on the outside.

UKnowNotWatUDo - 10-5-2011 at 06:35

Medical attention is usually a "better safe than sorry" for of thing, especially considering your particular accident. Although I'm not sure it's entirely necessary to be honest. The only thing I can think of is that the increased discomfort from running your eye in water was from, well, running your eye through water. There may be one thing to research (although this is COMPLETELY hypothetical) and that is that boric acid is the only known acid that is actually "good" for your eyes in certain concentrations and probably only in certain circumstances. But if there is any remaining NaOH in the fluid around your eye it might help. Again this is entirely speculative though. Best of luck to you, let us all know how things turn out...

Bot0nist - 10-5-2011 at 06:39

If you have corneal burns you would know. It would feel as if you had a foreign object like sand in your eyes. Use lubricating drops and see an optometrist if irritation continues. Care for the burns on your skin.

Be smart in your experimentation. Wear gloves and goggles when working with caustic for christ's sake. You are lucky. Also, just throwing together hydroxide and foil to fill a balloon is a little kewlish. Measure your reactants stichometricaly, pre-determine the volume of hydrogen that will be generated, control reaction temperatures, ect. That is science. Be safe when having fun.;)

I imagine that either the high heat of the evolved gas and steam weakened the balloon, or some lye splashed in it. It wouldn't take much to weaken its integrity I imagine.

[Edited on 10-5-2011 by Bot0nist]

entropy51 - 10-5-2011 at 06:48

Quote: Originally posted by terrax753  
Still, some searching online has me worried. Should I seek medical attention? And, if so, whom?
Absolutely. An eye specialist. A base in the eye is potentially much more dangerous than acid in the eye. Acid coagulates the eye protein, which forms a barrier to slow down further penetration into the eye. Base just keeps migrating inward.

woelen - 10-5-2011 at 06:53

The long flush of 15 minutes, although bringing discomfort, most likely is good. The only thing is that it would be better if you had done it immediately. But your initial reaction of splashing your face and putting your head under water with open eyes also was good.

If your eye sight is not damaged and the feeling of discomfort has dimished already, then I would not worry too much anymore. Right now you don't have any NaOH in your eyes, otherwise you certainly would feel it. Just keep an eye on it. If tomorrow there still is discomfort, or if discomfort increases again, then seek medical attention.

I once had a somewhat similar accident, although not with a chemistry experiment. I was cleaning a roof from a garden house, which was painted at the lower side. It was very dirty and it had to be repainted. I rinsed it with 5% ammonia, working above my head. A big drop of ammonia fel precisely into my eye and this burned increadibly. It was terribly painful. I immediately rinsed with a lot of tap water for a few minutes and this relieved me from the pain. I only had a red eye for a day or so, but no adverse effects on quality of sight and besides the rinsing I have not taken any further action.

[Edited on 10-5-11 by woelen]

m1tanker78 - 10-5-2011 at 06:53

Water under the bridge but goggles!

EYES: Buy some eye drops or if you have a sterile saline solution, use that to flush.

SKIN: The 'burns' on your skin will probably linger for up to 3 weeks. NaOH dissolves the oils in your skin so keep moisturized with an oil-based cream or similar.

No substitute for medical advice so if you don't notice an improvement, seek medical attention.

Tank

UKnowNotWatUDo - 10-5-2011 at 06:55

I've heard that before about acids and bases on exposure to eyes. Entropy51 are you a doctor? If you don't mind me asking of course. I thought I remembered you saying that you were at some point in time on this forum but I don't remember where. But terrax753 if that is indeed true I would go to a doctor immediately. None of our speculating beats a doctor's warning to go see a doctor.

entropy51 - 10-5-2011 at 07:31

Quote: Originally posted by UKnowNotWatUDo  
I've heard that before about acids and bases on exposure to eyes. Entropy51 are you a doctor?
I am a physician, but not an eye specialist. The only way to determine if further treatment is needed to have an eye specialist examine the eye. We can only guess whether or not there is need for further treatment, and eye sight is nothing to gamble with.

Sedit - 10-5-2011 at 08:16

I would have quickly doused myself in Vinegar to neutralize the NaOH, I have a bottle of it just in case of emergancys. Yes AcOH all over ones face would not be pleasent but then again neither would blindness.

terrax753 - 10-5-2011 at 08:27

You guys who are recommending that I seek an eye specialist, exactly what kind of doctor are you suggesting? A search for eye doctors in my area brings up hundreds of listings, many of whom appear to be strictly glasses/contacts-oriented.

As of eighteen hours later, my vision still seems fine. Aside from the bottom white area of my right eye (which remains quite bloodshot), the rest looks fine. As normal. My pupils, my irides, everything but the lower half of the white area of my right eye.

Somewhere online, I read about there being a risk for glaucoma or cataracts. And regardless, my vision is something for which I care greatly. I am quite concerned about it becoming damaged in any way.

(You had better believe my protective measures will be much greater in the future.)

entropy51 - 10-5-2011 at 08:38

Quote: Originally posted by terrax753  
You guys who are recommending that I seek an eye specialist, exactly what kind of doctor are you suggesting? A search for eye doctors in my area brings up hundreds of listings, many of whom appear to be strictly glasses/contacts-oriented.
Those are optometrists and will be of little help. You want an ophthalmologist. If there are no eye specialists in your area it would be better to see a family practitioner or internal medicine doctor than to do nothing.

blogfast25 - 10-5-2011 at 09:39

Even without the accident filling up a balloon with H2 generated that way is stupid. Entrained micro-droplets of NaOH solution would have gotten into your balloon, attacking the balloon’s latex rubber immediately. You need to put together a decent hydrogen generator that delivers washed but dry hydrogen and can do at some minimum pressure (otherwise your generator will leak or fail during delivery).

Does your health insurance cover symblepharon?

The WiZard is In - 10-5-2011 at 13:46

Quote: Originally posted by terrax753  
I could not find a board on which this seemed appropriate to post. So, I have chosen to just post it here. Moderators, if you think a different board would be a better place for this, then please, relocate it as you see fit.


Proctor &c.
Chemical Hazrds of the Workplace
JB Lippincott 2nd ed. 1988


Sodium-hydroxide-burns.jpg - 315kB

If you can read this you are probable Ok. However, I would see
an eye doctor.


Neil - 10-5-2011 at 15:05

Some chemicals are capable of producing damage that does not show up for at least five to six days. Without inspection using a dye this damage is not detectable until is has progressed to the point where it becomes permanent, worth getting checked out.


You can also check the pH of your eye by dipping a piece of test paper in a tear, which is what they do in the emergency room round here. (been there, done that)

ziqquratu - 10-5-2011 at 16:44

First off, as far as seeking medical advice about something like this - if they were my eyes, I wouldn't be asking for advice on a web forum if I had the slightest hesitation about their health... If you've ANY concern about your eyes, of all things, why risk it?


Secondly,
Quote: Originally posted by Sedit  
I would have quickly doused myself in Vinegar to neutralize the NaOH, I have a bottle of it just in case of emergancys. Yes AcOH all over ones face would not be pleasent but then again neither would blindness.

Please do not use your body as a chemical reactor (yes, obviously it's designed as one, but it's very finely tuned!). The appropriate treatment for almost ALL spills to the skin, eyes or mucous membranes is extensive flushing with water (not hot water, not ice water - just cool tap water).

It's counterproductive (and potentially could cause more harm) to treat a (relatively) localised high concentration of (in this example) base by dousing a larger area of your body with acid, no mater how weak or dilute - particularly once your skin has already been damaged by that base.

There are a very small number of exceptions - HF, for example, which must be treated (with calcium gluconate, NOT a base!), but purely because it penetrates the skin, so systemic complications must be prevented. For pretty much anything that does not enter the body, however, it's far safer to simply remove any contaminated clothing and wash the affected area thoroughly with cool, running water (my training always recommended at least ten minutes - or until the ambulance arrives and advises otherwise!). Then, if required, go to a doctor - or, if you don't feel you need to go immediately, pay attention to your injury to ensure that the need doesn't arise.

And, most importantly, NEVER put anything - particularly reactive chemicals! - in or near your eyes, unless specifically intended for that purpose (eye drops and so forth).

BromicAcid - 10-5-2011 at 17:27

Sodium hydroxide did a number on my eyes, always take care when working with bases. The effects were not immediately noticeable, I only realized in time that my eyesight had been shot.

The WiZard is In - 10-5-2011 at 18:58

Quote: Originally posted by BromicAcid  
Sodium hydroxide did a number on my eyes, always take care when working with bases. The effects were not immediately noticeable, I only realized in time that my eyesight had been shot.

Reminds me of someone I knew who slowly lost some of their
vision by glass blowing without using dididium lens.

terrax753 - 10-5-2011 at 20:03

Okay... So I went ahead and got my eyes checked by an ophthalmologist. Nothing major. Just a slight corneal burn (the right eye, no surprise).

The doctor did not even think he needed to see me again. He just gave me some soothing eye drops, and that was it. A half hour, and I was on my way.

Ironically, the packaging of the eye drops says they may contain sodium hydroxide (or hydrochloric acid) to adjust pH. Heh...

No? Well, I found it amusing... The very substance I got in my eye in the first place.

So I got lucky. No major damage. Now I have made my mistake, learned from it, and can see to it that such does not happen again.

[Edited on 11-5-2011 by terrax753]

READ THIS

aquaregia - 11-5-2011 at 00:31

As some mentioned, goggles is part of the PPE to be worn.
But, it is also a good idea to have an EYEWASH STATION handy. I always have one at hands reach when working with corrosive substances. I got mine from work, but I am sure you can get some online at radiospares or at plenty of stores. They come in different sizes and format.
The reason why I mention it is because, by the time you reach the bathroom (a few seconds) the damage done to your eyes by some nasty chemical could already be irreversable in some cases.I might be paranoï but you can never be too safe (if there is such a thing).
Time is of the essence in those accidents.:(

Neil - 11-5-2011 at 06:01

Did he exam your eyes with a dye?


terrax753 - 11-5-2011 at 06:21

Quote: Originally posted by Neil  
Did he exam your eyes with a dye?


What do you mean?

He dripped some yellow-colored stuff into my eyes before inspecting them. I think it was some sort anesthetic.

But it did allow him to see my mild corneal burn. So, I guess he dyed my eyes.

Do you mean something else?

Neil - 11-5-2011 at 06:34

Nope that's what I meant. The dye shows penetrating ulcerations, without the dye the pitting damage can be invisible until it's to late.


m1tanker78 - 11-5-2011 at 07:00

Good to hear no major damage. I think you did the right thing by seeing the Doc. Gives you some additional peace of mind, if nothing else.

Realistically, the average experimenter/enthusiast isn't going to have an eye wash station or eye wash bottle around. That said, you should keep a bottle or canteen of clean water at hand (even if you wear glasses/goggles). If any corrosive substance finds its way in or around your eye(s), you can immediately irrigate your eyes as follows:

Let's suppose the left eye first. Holding the canteen in your right hand, place the mouth of the bottle on the bridge of your nose and lean forward. Turn your head to the right, allowing the water to trickle down your [closed] eye. After that, repeat but this time, carefully pry your eye open (with the left hand - if necessary). Simply switch the bottle to your left hand for the right eye and repeat the above. Finish flushing your eyes and any other affected areas at a faucet or shower (if available).

This was a basic procedure we practiced periodically in the military for NBC attacks. In a home lab/shop setting, this can buy precious time. It's difficult to clumsily stumble to a faucet with near zero visibility!

It's very easy to practice, too. It becomes second nature even in a stressful situation and can be performed in a matter of 6 seconds for both eyes (with practice).

Tank

Face protection

The WiZard is In - 11-5-2011 at 10:37

Face-masks.jpg - 745kB


Yellow eyeball-dye .... reminds me. Bunch of years ago
I notice a v/ small black spot when reading. Off to a Retina
Specialist. The 3rd round of tests ... tech dilates my eyes
for the 3rd time. Now I can see my ears.

Tech. sez - I am going to inject this dye (IV) it will turn you urine
yellow. Put head up to la device... flash! Felt like my head blew
up like a balloon!

Next day.... turn you urine yellow WOW. This would be
great at a pool-party. Hey everyone ... WATCH THIS!

Mr. Wizard - 11-5-2011 at 15:56

I second the idea of practice when it comes to emergency procedures. If you have done a procedure a few times, you won't have to think about it when the real thing comes along.

Know where the eyewash station is, and the exits. Be able to find them with your eyes closed, or smoke obscuring your vision. When you find yourself going through hell, keep on moving.

I saw they eyes of a drunk man at a bar who had a lye solution thrown in his face by a girlfriend. He didn't even try to wash it out. His eyes looked like two pieces of soap.

Saerynide - 12-5-2011 at 05:34

GAHHHHHHHhhhh! Did you help him?? :(

Mr. Wizard - 12-5-2011 at 06:21

Quote: Originally posted by Saerynide  
GAHHHHHHHhhhh! Did you help him?? :(

Yes, but he didn't cooperate. It's tough to help someone who doesn't want to be helped.

The Social Uses of Sodium Hydroxide

The WiZard is In - 12-5-2011 at 07:35

New York Times
FOLLOW-UP ON THE NEWS; Love Story: Part II
By RICHARD HAITCH
Published: February 22, 1987

HE was a lawyer who once ran for New York State Assemblyman.
She was a friend who lived in the Bronx. He said he loved her, but
she rejected him after learning he was married. He hired three
thugs to throw lye in her face, so ''no one else will want you.''

Burton N. Pugach was disbarred and served 14 years in prison for
the 1959 crime. Linda Riss was totally blinded in one eye and left
legally blind in the other.

Eight months after Mr. Pugach was freed in 1974, they were
married.

In an interview in 1976, Mrs. Pugach said at their apartment in
Queens, ''He's very good to me, and I have no complaints.'' She
hoped the state would restore Mr. Pugach's license to practice law
- ''he shouldn't be punished into the grave.''


Reputed drug lord captured in Mexico
By DUDLEY ALTHAUS
Jan. 12, 2010

MEXICO CITY — Mexican federal police Tuesday captured one of
Mexico's most wanted drug thugs, a man known as among the
most bloodthirsty killers in a vicious new generation of gangsters.

Captured without violence at a house in the Baja California port
City of La Paz, Teodoro Garcia Simental, nicknamed “El Teo”,
stands accused of killing hundreds of rivals and kidnapping untold
numbers of civilians in the past two years as he battled for control
of narcotics smuggling and other criminal rackets in Tijuana, across
the border from San Diego.

Garcia gained notoriety last January — and shocked even the most
violence-hardened Mexicans — when officials accused him of
ordering an underling to dissolve the bodies of some 300 of his
victims in lye. His underling became famous nationwide as “the
Pozolero,” or maker of pozole, a popular pork and hominy soup.




ScienceSquirrel - 12-5-2011 at 07:39

Biological washing powder is just as good for dissolving bodies, cheaper and greener.
Put a pigs trotter in a bath of strong aqueous bio powder, put it somewhere warm
and watch it dissolve over a few days.

White Yeti - 3-9-2011 at 16:02

I had a similar accident, I once opened a a brand new alkaline battery to retrieve some chemicals. I thought that since it was brand new, it didn't have any significant amount of pressure built up inside. I opened it up and found out that even a brand new battery has pressure built up inside, the KOH electrolyte splattered in my face. Fortunately, I was wearing glasses at the time, but not a face shield. I had little red marks on my face for a few days.

dann2 - 5-9-2011 at 16:07


Not to trivialize the incident but link below shows 'just what the doctor ordered' (as they say)!!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Medical-Apothocary-Glass-Device-Be...

Dann2

[Edited on 6-9-2011 by dann2]

HexJam - 12-9-2011 at 07:34

Terrax753, top tip from one chem-noob to another: before you carry out any experiment go to Google type in "MSDS [name of chemical]", download the safety sheet and READ IT! Pay particular attention to the instructions for eye/skin splashes and flammability!

I hope your eye is getting better, you did the right thing this time, prolly not best to take another chance though!

P.s.

Goggles!

Sqafety glasses

The WiZard is In - 12-9-2011 at 11:24

Redneck safety glasses.

Safety-glasses.jpg - 28kB




djh
----
Someone whose
name I do not have
permission to use
sent me this a bit
back.

#maverick# - 12-9-2011 at 12:22

and the wizard wins this round
Quote: Originally posted by The WiZard is In  
Redneck safety glasses.






djh
----
Someone whose
name I do not have
permission to use
sent me this a bit
back.

bdbstone - 12-9-2011 at 16:14

I touch NaOH many times but I didn't notice any burns or anything, because I always wash with water. .. NaOH turns the body oils into "soap", so you get like kinda funny 'oily' feeling from touching it, thought I really wouldn't want it to touch my eyes or smth.

DougTheMapper - 12-9-2011 at 16:52

I had a bottle of 96% H2SO4 which was notorious for dribbling down the side after pouring. It's always unnerving to feel the oily acid all over your fingers after you put the bottle down and know you have maybe half a minute to wash your hands before it gets painful. I've finally gotten rid of the darned thing and surprisingly never suffered any burns from it.

I do have several of 1-2mm wide craters in my right arm and hand from spattered molten NaOH. There's no time to wash that stuff off... the droplets begin boring into flesh immediately. Try putting some molten NaOH on a hot dog and you'll understand what I mean. They didn't hurt too bad but I'm really glad I was wearing most of my safety gear. Definitely a lesson well-learned.

[Edited on 13-9-2011 by DougTheMapper]

Bot0nist - 12-9-2011 at 17:30

Why the hell don't more people wear gloves on this site. Mad science doesn't mean you have to let sulfuric dribble on you hands. I think that's just crazy.

The WiZard is In - 12-9-2011 at 17:49

Quote: Originally posted by bdbstone  
I touch NaOH many times but I didn't notice any burns or anything, because I always wash with water. .. NaOH turns the body oils into "soap", so you get like kinda funny 'oily' feeling from touching it, thought I really wouldn't want it to touch my eyes or smth.



Caption sez acid... i would have though alkaline.



Attachment: Acid foot.pdf (200kB)
This file has been downloaded 603 times

bdbstone - 12-9-2011 at 18:35

I remember, one day when I watched the video of the guy on youtube when he "tested" his furnace, which he build. The day was clear and he was wearing a short trousers and a short t-shirt. Running around the furnace the thought run through my mind, how he is standing the heat from the furnace, which I believe must be very hot with the short shirt on, but I just kept it watching... But when he was pouring molten metal without any gloves on I just couldn't take it anymore and closed it down. Really, there is 2 different thing for me is not taking proper precautions and being just plain stupid.

[Edited on 13-9-2011 by bdbstone]

bdbstone - 12-9-2011 at 18:53

Quote: Originally posted by Bot0nist  
Why the hell don't more people wear gloves on this site. Mad science doesn't mean you have to let sulfuric dribble on you hands. I think that's just crazy.

Sorry, if its about me, I always wear gloves when handling NaOH. Apparently some of NaOH got on the table and when I was cleaning the table is when I got this 'oily' feeling.

#maverick# - 12-9-2011 at 19:15

Gloves are a must as are goggles, i have learned this lesson after few close calls which i must say were a result of cockiness and ignorance that has changed

Bot0nist - 12-9-2011 at 20:33

Quote: Originally posted by bdbstone  
Quote: Originally posted by Bot0nist  
Why the hell don't more people wear gloves on this site. Mad science doesn't mean you have to let sulfuric dribble on you hands. I think that's just crazy.

Sorry, if its about me, I always wear gloves when handling NaOH. Apparently some of NaOH got on the table and when I was cleaning the table is when I got this 'oily' feeling.


Sorry if I can off as an ass, and my comment was more directed at DTMs story of dribbling H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> on his hand multiple times. I have just read a lot about people not wearing gloves and some very basic PPE and procedures when dealing with toxic salts, acids, caustics, solvents, and even TNP solutions and sensitive energetics without bothering to even slip on some gloves or goggles. Why? They are not expensive, and are a lot less inconvenient than a painful burn, a life changing injury, or a slow degenerating disease and/or death later in life. I'm not saying don't attempt the risky experiments, just use your heads.

Maybe I am just paranoid, but I sometimes worry about the long term effect that our hobby may have if some simple precautions are not taken. Sorry to come of as mother-henish or rude. Almost any reactions capable to the home experimenter can be carried out without harm to themselves or others (even cumulative and long term) if a little thought and planning are used before, during, and after.


[Edited on 13-9-2011 by Bot0nist]

gatosgr - 27-6-2016 at 17:17

Hey guys I somehow managed to get some cleaner that contained sodium hypochlorite and NaOH on my hands before taking a shower and I inevitably got some in my eyers, I flushed my eyes but not for 15 min more like 2-3 min every now and then and now one day later my eyes got worse. I don't know if it's from the cleaner or from throwing water in my eyes all the time.
What's really fucked up is that they didn't really hurt for the whole day but I can sense them burning now that I want to close my eyes to sleep.

[Edited on 28-6-2016 by gatosgr]

CharlieA - 27-6-2016 at 17:32

My wife, an RN/BSN suggests:
1. Go to an Emergency Room
2. See an Ophthalmologist.

My take: I wouldn't suspect the water washes. Good luck!

gatosgr - 28-6-2016 at 01:32

Quote: Originally posted by CharlieA  
My wife, an RN/BSN suggests:
1. Go to an Emergency Room
2. See an Ophthalmologist.

My take: I wouldn't suspect the water washes. Good luck!


I went to the opthalmologist today , he says there's a light burn on my left eye and gave me antibiotics and a vitamin gel , the weird thing is that my left eye didn't give me any weird sensation until after 20 hours , I only washed my right eye straight away which is ok because of this but didn't persist on my left eye because it didn't hurt or feel strange since the amount that must have got in there should be very little but it had 20 hours to act.

I used the bottle method to wash my eye by closing and opening it fast after the 20 hours unfortunately and it was a lot better than standing under the faucet. Some army tricks are very useful thanks to the guy who posted it.

One last thing, I asked the opthalmologist if he checked my eyes ph level and he said that the eyes will clean themselves with the tears, he did use something like a litmus paper on me left eye but I don't know what it was. From what I've read in an emergency room they continually use litmus paper to check the ph and wash the eyes with a cleaning tool. I wonder if the opthalmologist knew what he was doing.



[Edited on 28-6-2016 by gatosgr]

battoussai114 - 28-6-2016 at 07:56

Quote: Originally posted by gatosgr  
Quote: Originally posted by CharlieA  
My wife, an RN/BSN suggests:
1. Go to an Emergency Room
2. See an Ophthalmologist.

My take: I wouldn't suspect the water washes. Good luck!


I went to the opthalmologist today , he says there's a light burn on my left eye and gave me antibiotics and a vitamin gel , the weird thing is that my left eye didn't give me any weird sensation until after 20 hours , I only washed my right eye straight away which is ok because of this but didn't persist on my left eye because it didn't hurt or feel strange since the amount that must have got in there should be very little but it had 20 hours to act.

I used the bottle method to wash my eye by closing and opening it fast after the 20 hours unfortunately and it was a lot better than standing under the faucet. Some army tricks are very useful thanks to the guy who posted it.

One last thing, I asked the opthalmologist if he checked my eyes ph level and he said that the eyes will clean themselves with the tears, he did use something like a litmus paper on me left eye but I don't know what it was. From what I've read in an emergency room they continually use litmus paper to check the ph and wash the eyes with a cleaning tool. I wonder if the opthalmologist knew what he was doing.



[Edited on 28-6-2016 by gatosgr]

Worst case scenario he didn't, you get worse. You sue him, use the money to get top-tier treatment. You end up rich and, maybe, also a cyborg. MURICA!

But srsly, if it was a minor contact during the shower, it's not likely that your eyes would still be with an "offset" ph after washing and all. The burn thing does make sense.

gatosgr - 29-6-2016 at 13:55

Quote: Originally posted by battoussai114  

Worst case scenario he didn't, you get worse. You sue him, use the money to get top-tier treatment. You end up rich and, maybe, also a cyborg. MURICA!



A pirate more probably, just have to loose one leg and buy a parrot.