ABSTRACT
Immediate and copious irrigation of the injured eye with a bland irrigating solution is the key element in the treatment of any chemical injury to the eye. Begin irrigation on-site within seconds after the injury and continue en route to, and at, the emer gency facility (Pfister and Koski, 1982; Pfister, 1983; Campochiaro et al., 1990). To begin irrigation, the eyelids should be spread open with a lid retractor (Desmarres), or even with the fingertips if a retractor is not available, and flooded with a bland so lution, such as water or Ringer’s intravenous fluid (Nelson and Kopietz, 1987; Bums and Paterson, 1989). Remove any goggles, glasses, or contact lenses that may in terfere with irrigation (Pyramid Films Corp., 1981). The victim should be asked to
roll the eyes in all directions to improve irrigation of ocular surfaces, including con junctival cul-de-sacs. The eyes should be examined carefully, including sweeping of the conjunctival fomices, to remove any foreign particles, such as solid chemicals that, if retained, will continue to leak chemicals into the eyes despite irrigation. Any foreign particles may be gently lifted off the conjunctiva of the cornea with a clean tissue or cotton-tip applicator. Alternatively, foreign particles, once identified, may be irrigated off the ocular surface as well.
