What to do if a 3-year-old child gets perfume in their eyes?

Management of Perfume Splash in the Eyes of a 3-Year-Old Child

Immediately rinse the child's eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes to dilute and remove the perfume, which is considered a toxic substance to the eye. 1

Initial Management

1. Irrigation Procedure:

   • Have the child lie down or tilt their head back
   • Gently hold the eyelids open
   • Pour clean, room-temperature water continuously over the affected eye(s)
   • Direct water flow from the inner corner (near the nose) to the outer corner of the eye
   • Continue irrigation for at least 15-20 minutes

2. Assessment During Irrigation:

   • Check for signs of pain, redness, swelling, or excessive tearing
   • Observe if the child is able to open their eyes or if they're keeping them tightly shut
   • Note any changes in vision reported by the child

When to Seek Medical Attention

Urgent Medical Care is Required If:

• Severe pain persists after irrigation
• Significant redness or swelling develops
• Child complains of blurred vision or light sensitivity
• Discharge from the eye develops
• Child is unable to open their eyes due to pain
• Any corneal involvement is suspected

Contact Poison Control:

• The American Association of Poison Control Centers (800-222-1222) can provide specific guidance for perfume eye exposures 1
• Be prepared to provide information about:
  • The specific perfume product
  • Time of exposure
  • Symptoms the child is experiencing
  • Actions already taken (irrigation)

Follow-up Care

After initial irrigation:

• Apply preservative-free lubricating eye drops to soothe the eye and prevent dryness
• Monitor the child for 24-48 hours for any delayed symptoms
• Avoid rubbing the eyes as this may cause further irritation
• Keep the child from touching or further contaminating the eyes

Potential Complications

Perfumes contain various chemicals including alcohols and fragrance compounds that can cause:

• Chemical conjunctivitis
• Corneal epithelial damage
• Allergic reactions
• Temporary vision changes

Prevention Strategies

• Store perfumes and cosmetics out of children's reach
• Keep perfume bottles closed when not in use
• Educate older children about not spraying or playing with perfumes
• Consider child-resistant packaging for household cosmetics and fragrances 2

Special Considerations for Young Children

For children under 7 years, assessment of eye injuries can be challenging due to limited communication. Pay special attention to:

• Behavioral changes suggesting eye discomfort (rubbing eyes, crying, avoiding light)
• Refusal to open eyes
• Excessive tearing or redness compared to the unaffected eye

If symptoms persist after irrigation or if you're uncertain about the severity, seeking professional medical evaluation is the safest approach, as young children may not be able to accurately communicate their symptoms.