What to Do If a Chemical Splashes in Your Eye

The first thirty seconds decide how much damage a chemical does to your eye, so don't pause to read the label first. Turn your head sideways under a gentle stream of clean, room-temperature water, hold the eyelid open with your fingers, and flush continuously for at least fifteen minutes — longer feels excessive, but it isn't.

Remove contact lenses as soon as the flushing gives you a free moment, not before, since stopping to do it first wastes time. Don't rub the eye and don't apply any drops or ointment on your own — after flushing, get medical care even if the eye feels fine, because some damage shows up later.