Chemical Conjunctivitis
Chemical conjunctivitis is eye inflammation from exposure to an irritant or chemical substance. This causes the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelid (conjunctiva) to become inflamed. When the blood vessels in the conjunctiva are inflamed, the eye may become red, pink, and itchy.
Chemical conjunctivitis can occur in one or both eyes. It cannot be passed from one person to another (noncontagious).
CAUSES
Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to a chemical substance or irritant such as:
• Smoke.
• Chlorine.
• Soap.
• Fumes.
• Air pollution.
RISK FACTORS
There may be a higher risk of developing chemical conjunctivitis if someone:
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• Itchy eyes.
• Burning feeling in the eyes.
• Clear discharge from the eye.
• Swollen eyelids.
• Sensitivity to light.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider can diagnose chemical conjunctivitis from your symptoms and medical history. The health care provider will also do a physical exam. This may include testing a sample of eye discharge to rule out other causes of conjunctivitis. Your health care provider may also use a medical instrument that uses magnified light to examine the eyes (slit-lamp).
TREATMENT
Treatment of chemical conjunctivitis involves carefully flushing the chemical out of your eye. You may also get eye drops to use at home or anti-allergy medicines.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines or apply eye drops only as directed by your health care provider.
• Apply a cool, clean washcloth to your eye for 10–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
• Do not touch or rub your eyes.
• Do not wear contact lenses until the inflammation is gone. Wear glasses instead.
• Do not wear eye makeup until the inflammation is gone.
• Avoid exposure to the chemical or environment that caused the irritation. Wear eye protection as necessary.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE