we all know that one of the more effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is through careful hand hygiene. We have been told to carefully wash our hands with soap and water and or use hand sanitizer. In regards to the latter, there has been wide spread use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Coinciding with their wide use, there has been an increase in chemical-related eye injuries (especially among children) in people who have accidentally gotten the sanitizer in their eyes. A recent study from France revealed that hand sanitizer dispensers in public places expose children to increased risk of eye exposure to hazardous chemicals. Cases range from mild irritation to severe reactions resulting in irreversible damage requiring corneal transplants. The reason for potential serious damage to the eye is that many hand sanitizers contain high concentration of ethanol, which can destroy cells in the cornea(the clear protective outer covering of our eyes).
If you do get alcohol-based hand sanitizer into the eye, you will feel a stinging and burning sensation upon contact. You many also notice red eyes, increased light sensitivity, blurred vision and possibly even vision loss. Although the first inclination is to rub your eyes, DO NOT. Rubbing your eyes could worsen the condition. Instead, thoroughly rinse your eyes out immediately with clean running water or with a sterile saline rise for at least ten minutes. If the eye pain and blurred vision persist, please call our office or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you do get alcohol-based hand sanitizer into the eye, you will feel a stinging and burning sensation upon contact. You many also notice red eyes, increased light sensitivity, blurred vision and possibly even vision loss. Although the first inclination is to rub your eyes, DO NOT. Rubbing your eyes could worsen the condition. Instead, thoroughly rinse your eyes out immediately with clean running water or with a sterile saline rise for at least ten minutes. If the eye pain and blurred vision persist, please call our office or go to the nearest emergency room.