Hi everyone, just a question. Say for instance we get a low scale chemical (benzoyl peroxide) into the eyes but didn’t flush it well enough (opening the eye slightly when flushing). Does this have the potential to cause any damage long term, or just irritation?
On another note, are eyelids really that waterproof? If given a tiny slit of entry, can water (say a shower head) get behind the entire eyelid and potentially wash the entire surface?
In: Biology
Are eyelids perfectly water proof? No.
However, could your eye be satisfactorily flushed without fully opening your eye? Also no.
Could it have long term effects? Possibly.
When I have my eyes washed they placed what was essentially eyeball shaped cups on the end of tubes and pumped a litre or two of some solution into my eye cavities. They use this apparatus so that the entire eyeball is flushed.
Based on this, I’d say a proper clean requires a bit more.
The effects are dependant on the chemical, the volume exposed and how effective the ineffective flushing proved to be.
My rule of thumb: if it’s a problem with my eyes or my junk, I see a doctor IMMEDIATELY.
Your question is based on a false assumption. When using an eye wash station, you should use your fingers to keep your eyes open in order to flush them. Keeping your eyes closed is counter productive.
[Eyewash Station Instructions](https://www.safety-eyewash.co.uk/content/user-guide-eye-wash-station#:~:text=Flush%20out%20your%20eyes&text=Using%20your%20fingers%20to%20keep,of%20the%20eyeballs%20as%20possible)
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