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How can you care for chemical burns in your child's eye?
- If your doctor gave you ointment or eyedrops for your child, use them as directed. Use the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if the eye starts to look and feel better. Wash your hands before using the medicine.
- To put in eyedrops or ointment:
- Tilt your child's head back, and pull the lower eyelid down with one finger.
- Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
- Have your child close the eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
- Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your child's eyelashes or any other surface.
- Be sure to use only the eyedrops your doctor prescribed. Do not use over-the-counter eyedrops because they may make your child's symptoms worse.
- Do not let your child use a contact lens in the hurt eye until your doctor says it's okay.
- Do not let your child wear eye makeup until the eye heals.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
- If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- For the first 24 to 48 hours, limit your child's reading and other tasks that require a lot of eye movement.
Chemical burns to the eye: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have a sudden loss of vision.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse eye pain.
- Your vision gets worse.
- Your eyes have new or worse sensitivity to light.
- You have symptoms of an eye infection, such as:
- Pus or thick discharge coming from the eye.
- Redness or swelling around the eye.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your eyes are not getting better or they get worse.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.