What Are You Hazards of Getting Gasoline in Your Eye?
When gasoline splashes into the eye, it sometimes causes damage to the cornea, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Gasoline is a mild eye irritant. First aid for a gasoline spill includes rinsing the eye with water and seeking emergency care.
The cornea is the transparent lens that covers the front of the eye, according to Medline Plus. Irritation from a chemical irritant causes temporary blurred vision, eye pain, excess tearing and redness of the eyes. If ophthalmologists suspect damage to the cornea, they sometimes add a florescent dye to the eye to reveal the damage.
Drugs.com recommends using the cleanest water available to rinse the eyes but avoiding other chemicals in an attempt to remove the gasoline. If gasoline contaminates the clothing, the items should be removed to prevent further irritation to the skin.
Standing in the shower and directing a gentle stream of water is one way to rinse the eyes, according to Mayo Clinic. A second option is to turn on warm water from a sink with a spigot high enough to hold the head underneath. Hold the eyelid open to allow water to rinse gasoline from the eye. Gently pouring water into the eye with a pitcher while a person lies in a bathtub is also effective. Individuals should avoid rubbing the eye to minimize irritation and injury.
