{"id":13330,"date":"2025-02-07T12:22:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T17:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eyebuydirect.com\/blog\/?p=13330"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:22:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T17:22:35","slug":"hand-sanitizer-in-eye","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eyebuydirect.com\/blog\/hand-sanitizer-in-eye\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Get Hand Sanitizer in Your Eyes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hand sanitizer has had its share of the spotlight recently. Widespread use during the pandemic has made it a staple item in homes, offices, and public spaces to this day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using this convenient gel can help your eyes stay healthy too. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content can kill the germs that cause pink eye and other eye infections while they’re still on your hands \u2014 before they reach your eyes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But accidents happen, and it\u2019s possible for hand sanitizer to come into contact with the sensitive surface of your eye. Here’s what you need to know if this happens to you<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Can Hand Sanitizer Harm Your Eyes?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Hand sanitizer <\/span>can<\/span><\/b> harm your eyes, especially if large amounts make contact. This is mostly because the high alcohol level in hand sanitizer can cause a chemical burn on your eye.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If a lot of hand sanitizer gets into your eye, it can cause eye damage that may need medical treatment. Without proper care, you could develop more serious eye problems.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, a little sanitizer in your eye might sting, but you may feel better after some simple at-home care. This is the case for many hand sanitizer eye accidents: Just a small amount of sanitizer gets into the eye, resulting in temporary discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

What to Do If You Get Hand Sanitizer in Your Eyes<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

If hand sanitizer touches your eye, the first and most important step is to <\/span>wash out your eye as soon as possible.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you do anything, make sure any sanitizer left on your hands has dried completely. This way, you won\u2019t get any more in your eye.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Follow these steps to flush hand sanitizer out of your eyes:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Rinse the affected eye(s) under a gentle stream of running water. If you don’t have access to a sink or faucet, you can use a water bottle, emergency eyewash station, or another source of clean water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Keep rinsing your eye(s) for at least 15 to 20 minutes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Flushing the eye should help remove contact lenses if you are wearing them. If they do not come out with rinsing, carefully remove your contacts with clean hands.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This thorough eye washing technique should remove any leftover hand sanitizer so your eye doesn’t feel irritated anymore.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you still have eye pain, redness, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms afterward, <\/span>call your eye doctor<\/span><\/b> right away. They will likely ask you to come in for an exam so they can assess any damage and determine an appropriate treatment plan<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    What to Do for Children<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

    You should use<\/span> the same eye wash <\/span><\/b>technique for kids as the one listed above for adults.<\/span> Assist as the child as needed with the following steps<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Rinse the child\u2019s eye(s) under a gentle stream of running water. You can use a sink faucet, water bottle, or other source of clean water.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Continue rinsing for at least 15 to 20 minutes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      As with adults, you should <\/span>talk to an eye doctor<\/span><\/b> if a child\u2019s symptoms continue or worsen after they wash their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      Potential Side Effects of Getting Hand Sanitizer in Eyes<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

      If you get hand sanitizer in your eyes, you’ll most likely have one or more of these symptoms:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n