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Symptom Checker

A Chemical in the Eye

A chemical eye exposure happens when a liquid, powder or vapor irritates or burns the surface of the eye. Symptoms can include pain, redness, tearing and blurred vision.

Household cleaners, detergents, pool chemicals, cosmetics, industrial products and other chemicals can cause eye injury. Strong acids and alkalis can damage deeper eye tissues.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to a Chemical in the Eye

The AAP guide below explains how to flush the eye, when to call Poison Control and why the eye may need to be examined.

AAP Symptom CheckerChemical in the eye

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Call Poison Control after a significant or unknown chemical exposure.
  • Eye pain, tearing, redness or blurred vision continues after the eye has been thoroughly rinsed.
  • You are unsure whether the chemical can damage the eye.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • A strong acid, alkali or unknown chemical caused significant eye symptoms.
  • Vision is severely affected or the eye pain is severe.
  • Your child has another life-threatening emergency related to the exposure.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

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