What should you do to hold eyelids open during eye exposure?

What should you do to hold eyelids open during eye exposure?

• A. Hold eyelids open and wash eyes with drops of clean water
• B. Blink rapidly to flush the chemical out
• C. Close eyes and wait for help
• D. Rub eyes with a dry cloth

Answer: (A)

When eyes are exposed to chemicals, the priority is to dilute and remove the substance as quickly as possible. Keeping the eyelids open while rinsing with clean water ensures the entire surface of the eye is exposed to the rinse, rather than allowing the chemical to remain trapped when blinking. Rinse with clean running water immediately, and continue for at least 15 minutes. If a contact lens is present and can be removed safely, do so during the rinse. After flushing, seek medical help if irritation, pain, or vision changes persist, especially if the chemical was corrosive or did not fully wash out. Blinking rapidly won’t effectively remove the chemical, and closing the eyes and waiting delays treatment. Rubbing the eyes with a dry cloth can cause further irritation or injury.

When eyes are exposed to chemicals, the priority is to dilute and remove the substance as quickly as possible. Keeping the eyelids open while rinsing with clean water ensures the entire surface of the eye is exposed to the rinse, rather than allowing the chemical to remain trapped when blinking.

Rinse with clean running water immediately, and continue for at least 15 minutes. If a contact lens is present and can be removed safely, do so during the rinse. After flushing, seek medical help if irritation, pain, or vision changes persist, especially if the chemical was corrosive or did not fully wash out.

Blinking rapidly won’t effectively remove the chemical, and closing the eyes and waiting delays treatment. Rubbing the eyes with a dry cloth can cause further irritation or injury.