All eye injuries are serious issues that must be addressed, but a chemical eye injury is particularly concerning and demands immediate attention. To this end, being prepared can make all the difference in achieving physical and financial recovery or suffering sustained damage to your eye and bank account.
That’s why it’s important to know that if you or a loved one is in a hurry to get actionable advice, you can call the experienced team of Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation today.
In the meantime, we encourage you to keep reading to learn more about chemical eye injuries and what to do if an incident occurs.
What Should You Know About Chemical Eye Injuries?
Chemical eye injuries are a critical concern that can drastically impact your vision, overall health, and livelihood. It’s crucial to understand the types of chemicals that can harm you and to take immediate action to mitigate long-term damage.
What Types Of Chemicals Can Injure Your Eyes?
Chemical eye injuries can happen anywhere — your home, your workplace, or even out in the fields. They range in severity from a little stinging sensation to full-blown, irreversible damage.
- Household Hazards: Most of us handle these daily, like soaps, disinfectants, bleach, and ammonia. They seem harmless, but they can spell trouble if misused.
- Industrial Supplies: Those working in factories or workshops may encounter solvents and specialized detergents capable of causing serious injuries.
- Agricultural Tools: Fertilizers and pesticides might give you bountiful crops, but they can wreak havoc on your eyes.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Chemical Eye Injury?
Knowing is half the battle, as they say. If your eyes suddenly start to protest in the following ways, it’s high time you took action:
- A post-exposure burning sensation.
- Uncontrollable tearing.
- Pain in the eye that seems to extend to your eyelid.
- Distorted vision, as if you’re looking through a smudged lens.
What Should You Do If You Suspect A Chemical Eye Injury?
In case of a chemical eye injury, immediate action is non-negotiable. One of the primary purposes of this guide is to help prepare you in the unfortunate event of a chemical eye injury. With that in mind, here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Help ASAP: Don’t hesitate; time is ticking. Remember that you’re free to consult any healthcare provider, not just your employer’s designated doctor.
- Contact an Attorney: After the medical dust settles, get in touch with our qualified attorneys to navigate the legal waters for you.
Time is more than just money when it comes to chemical eye injuries — it’s your well-being on the line. Don’t let bureaucracy and red tape keep you from all the money and benefits you’re entitled to. Get on the phone and get the help you need.
Call the experienced team at Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 or visit us online now. We know that navigating this kind of trauma can be overwhelming. The right legal advice and prompt action can save you miles of headache, heartache, and financial strain down the road.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Instead, act now and have the skilled team of Schwartzapfel Lawyers fight — and win — for you!
How Can You Treat Chemical Eye Injuries?
Addressing a chemical eye injury is time-sensitive and requires precise medical treatment. In this guide, we’ll break down what you should do immediately following an incident and what medical interventions you can expect.
Rinsing Is Your First Priority
If you sustain a chemical eye burn, be it acid or alkali, rinsing is crucial. Use a continuous stream of tap water to flush out the chemical agent. If possible, aim for at least (10) minutes of rinsing.
Special Facilities
Industrial settings may have dedicated eye wash fountains. If unavailable, you can open your eyelids manually and run water from a faucet over your eye, directing it from the bridge of your nose outward to avoid cross-contamination to the other eye.
Get Assistance
If you’re unable to access a faucet, have someone assist you in pouring water over your eye from a cup while you keep your eyelids open. Make sure eye irrigation continues en route to the emergency department.
Contact Lenses And Other Considerations
Do not attempt to remove your contact lens before washing. If, after several minutes of rinsing, the lens remains intact, you may try removing it. Also, you should remember that rubbing your eyes post-rinsing can lead to further damage.
What Are The Diagnostic Procedures And Long-Term Implications For Chemical Eye Injuries?
Next, let’s talk about the specifics of how healthcare providers assess and manage chemical eye injuries, including the kinds of diagnostic tests you might encounter and the possible long-term consequences.
If, however, you would prefer to speak with a chemical eye attorney directly and at no charge, please call Schwartzapfel Lawyers now at 516-342-2200 or visit us online to have your legal options laid out in plain English.
Diagnostic Maneuvers
Doctors use a variety of resources and knowledge to assess chemical eye injuries. Here’s the most rudimentary approach:
- Basic Assessment Tools: Upon arrival at an emergency department or specialized ophthalmology clinic, expect some baseline diagnostic tests.
- pH Level Testing: A strip is used to gauge the acidity or alkalinity of your tear film, helping to determine the type and severity of the chemical burn you’ve sustained.
- Visual Exams: Handheld ophthalmoscopes allow a quick yet thorough examination of your anterior segment, conjunctiva, and other structures.
In instances when a chemical eye injury is severe, more drastic steps need to be taken.
Advanced Diagnostics For Severe Cases
In instances of severe injuries — think ocular chemical burns requiring possible use of topical steroids or even amniotic membrane transplantation — an ophthalmologist will likely conduct a more exhaustive battery of tests, such as:
- Tonometry: To assess intraocular pressure and risk of glaucoma.
- Fluorescein Staining: To locate any epithelial defects or corneal ulceration.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): For a detailed look at the ocular surface and anterior segment of the eye.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of chemical eye injuries, let’s switch our focus to some of the consequences that can come from such injuries.
What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of Chemical Eye Injuries?
Chemical eye injuries, whether due to alkali or acid burns, can result in an array of long-term physical complications, including but not limited to:
- Corneal Ulceration: A serious condition that may require ongoing treatment.
- Dry Eye: This could necessitate long-term use of lubricants and may affect your quality of life.
- Glaucoma: Elevated intraocular pressure may become a chronic issue, necessitating continual monitoring.
- Ocular Trauma: Physical damage to the eye structures could have long-lasting impacts on vision and ocular health.
If this sounds disconcerting, know that you’re not without options — or hope. Treatment is available in many forms. For more on this, please continue reading or call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 and speak with one of our chemical eye injury attorneys today.
What Are The Treatment Options For Chemical Eye Injuries?
Treatment protocols are customized based on the severity and nature of the injury, and can range from on-site first-aid assistance to surgical interventions. Depending on the facts of the case and the injury in question, available medical options may include:
- Topical Antibiotics: To prevent infection.
- Topical Steroids: To control inflammation.
- Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation: For severe injuries involving damage to limbal stem cells.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ins with an ophthalmologist are essential to ensure proper healing and to adjust treatment plans as needed.
As evidenced in the above, effective medical treatment can help minimize damage and protect your eyes for the future. Note, too, that you have rights — and not just as a patient, but as someone who may be dealing with workplace-related injuries or other forms of liability.
And so, it’s not just about healing; it’s about making sure you’re covered on all fronts. As such, we invite you to contact Schwartzapfel Lawyers right away at 516-342-2200 or online, where, no matter your situation, you can schedule your free consultation and/or evaluation.
Can You Go To The Emergency Department For Chemical Eye Injuries?
If you go to the emergency room for a chemical eye injury, your visit may start with an initial assessment and rinsing. An ophthalmologist in the emergency department will typically start with a saline solution rinse. Anesthetic eye drops may be applied for comfort. A gentle instrument might be used to hold your eyelids open for thorough rinsing.
In cases of severe alkali burns, rinsing may continue for up to (24) hours via a soft tube connected to a sterile saline bag, similar to an IV setup.
Testing And Diagnosis
Post-rinse, your ophthalmologist will test the pH level of the eye. This is critical for assessing the severity of alkali or acid burns. Rinsing will persist until pH levels normalize.
Advanced Medical Interventions
Corneal and Conjunctival Examination: The doctor may use tools like a tonometer to check intraocular pressure and fluorescein for epithelial defects.
- Foreign Body Removal: Any chemical contaminants or foreign particles will be removed.
- Topical Treatments: Antibiotic ointments and topical steroids may be applied to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Note: In cases of severe injury involving corneal perforation or limbal stem cell deficiency, you might require hospitalization for monitoring. Moreover, options like a cell membrane transplant may also be explored in clinical practice for severe cases.
Aftercare And Follow-Up
Ongoing healthcare is crucial post-incident. An ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops to prevent glaucoma or topical lubricants for dry eye. Make sure to schedule regular follow-ups to monitor the healing of the cornea and ocular surface.
Please note that given the wide variety of chemical exposure possibilities, from acetic and hydrofluoric acid to detergents and caustic substances, it’s absolutely critical to ensuring effective medical treatment that you understand the classification systems for chemical eye burns.
As well, it’s worth knowing that, in most cases, treatment isn’t just a matter of “wash and wait.” Treating chemical eye injuries can be a complex process that demands qualified, professional medical attention. To mitigate risks and accelerate healing, you should always err on the side of caution by taking prompt action and following up any eye-related injury with specialized ophthalmological care.
Reach Out To Schwartzapfel Lawyers
Dealing with a chemical eye injury is an uphill battle, but you don’t have to climb it alone. At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, we will make every effort to help you seamlessly navigate the medical and legal processes that so often accompany such unfortunate incidents.
Whether you’re seeking financial compensation or just some straight answers, we’re your go-to legal helpers. Call us today at 516-342-2200 or visit us online to schedule your free case evaluation now.
Your eyesight and well-being are too precious to leave to chance. Act today to protect your tomorrows by calling Schwartzapfel Lawyers now!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 1-516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Chemical Injury to the Eye | Harvard Health
What Is Optical Coherence Tomography? | American Academy of Ophthalmology
Limbal stem cell transplantation: current perspectives | PMC
