What to do if gasoline gets into the eyes

Feb 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
If gasoline gets into the eyes, immediately flush the eyes with large amounts of clean water to minimize eye damage and seek prompt medical attention. Antibiotic medications such as chlortetracycline hydrochloride eye ointment, tobramycin eye drops, or levofloxacin eye drops may be used for anti-infective treatment. If corneal epithelial damage has already occurred, treatments may include hyaluronic acid-based artificial tears, hydrogel-based artificial tears, or a corneal bandage contact lens.

Generally, if gasoline gets into the eyes, immediate measures include rinsing with clean water, anti-infection treatment, and treatment for corneal epithelial damage.

1. Rinsing with clean water

Gasoline is corrosive. If it enters the eye, immediately flush the eye with a large amount of clean water to quickly remove the gasoline and minimize damage to the eye. Seek medical attention promptly afterward.

2. Anti-infection treatment

Under medical guidance, antibiotic medications such as chlortetracycline hydrochloride eye ointment, tobramycin eye drops, or levofloxacin eye drops may be used to prevent eye infection.

3. Treatment for corneal epithelial damage

If corneal epithelial damage has occurred, follow your doctor's instructions to use medications such as hyaluronic acid-based artificial tears, hydrogel-based artificial tears, or ocular gel containing deproteinized extract of calf blood. In cases of extensive corneal epithelial loss, a corneal bandage contact lens may be recommended by a physician for treatment.