If a chemical splashes into an eye, immediately rinse with plenty of clean running water. Hold the eyelids open gently and use a gentle flow. Aim for 20 minutes of rinsing. If the chemical is strong, such as bleach or oven cleaner, get emergency medical help and keep rinsing while help is arranged. SingHealth first aid for eye conditions NHS first aid for eye injuries
Go to an emergency department with emergency eye services for a strong chemical exposure, vision change, significant pain or discomfort that continues after rinsing. Call 995 if the person has life-threatening symptoms such as breathing difficulty or collapse. Bring the chemical name or a photo of its label if someone can get it safely without delaying care. SingHealth first aid for eye conditions NHS first aid for eye injuries SCDF emergency medical services
- Start flushing with clean water immediately.
- Keep the water flow gentle and get help for strong chemicals or concerning symptoms.
- Bring product information if it is safe to do so.
On this page
- Start rinsing before looking up the product
- Get urgent eye assessment when needed
- What to tell the emergency team
- Frequently asked questions
Start rinsing before looking up the product
Use clean running tap water or an eyewash station if it is already beside you. Let the water flow gently over the open eye. If one eye is affected, tilt the head so runoff flows away from the other eye. Ask someone else to check the label or call for help while rinsing continues. SingHealth first aid for eye conditions NHS first aid for eye injuries
Leave the eye alone except for flushing. Avoid rubbing it or trying to neutralise the chemical with another substance. If someone is helping, keep their hands out of the contaminated runoff where possible.
Get urgent eye assessment when needed
A strong chemical, new blurred vision or significant pain warrants emergency assessment. If the person cannot comfortably see, arrange for someone else to take them. Continue rinsing while waiting for medical help after a strong chemical exposure. Tell responders if there was also exposure to fumes or chemicals on the skin. SingHealth first aid for eye conditions NHS first aid for eye injuries SCDF emergency medical services
A school laboratory example
A student gets a cleaning solution in one eye. They begin rinsing while the teacher checks the label and arranges help. A classmate clears the area so others stay away from the spill. The teacher tells clinicians which eye was affected and when rinsing began.
What to tell the emergency team
Give the product name, affected eye, time of exposure and how long you rinsed. Mention any change in sight, difficulty opening the eye or persistent pain. Bring a photo of the label or a safely contained product if available. Start rinsing before searching for the label. SingHealth first aid for eye conditions NHS first aid for eye injuries
Frequently asked questions
Do I need sterile water?
Use the clean running water available immediately. Waiting for a special eyewash can delay flushing. SingHealth first aid for eye conditions NHS first aid for eye injuries
Should I stop when it feels better?
Continue the initial rinse. After a strong chemical exposure, keep rinsing while medical help is arranged and follow their advice. NHS first aid for eye injuries
Sources
- SCDF emergency medical services
- SingHealth first aid for eye conditions
- NHS first aid for eye injuries