Treatment for Eye Exposure to Lysol (Disinfectant)
Immediately irrigate the exposed eye with copious amounts of tap water for at least 15 minutes, starting as soon as possible after exposure to minimize tissue damage.
Immediate Decontamination
- Begin irrigation immediately at the scene of exposure with large volumes of clean tap water for a minimum of 15 minutes 1
- Tap water is readily available, safe, and effective as the preferred irrigation fluid for chemical eye exposures 1, 2
- If immediately available, normal saline, Ringer's lactate solution, or commercial eye wash solutions are reasonable alternatives 1
- Continue irrigation until a healthcare professional can evaluate the injury and confirm that the pH of the eye has returned to normal 1
Critical Technique Points
- Avoid contaminating the unaffected eye during irrigation by directing flow away from the uninjured eye 3, 1
- Some patients may require assistance keeping their eyelids open during the irrigation process 3
- Do not delay irrigation to search for "better" solutions—immediate decontamination with whatever water is available is critical 1
Subsequent Medical Evaluation
- Seek immediate ophthalmologic evaluation for all but the most trivial chemical exposures 2
- Healthcare providers should assess the pH of the eye to determine when irrigation can be stopped 1
- Fluorescein staining should be performed to evaluate for corneal abrasions 4
- Clinical grading of injury severity should assess limbal ischemia, corneal clarity, and anterior segment abnormalities 5
Post-Exposure Management
Supportive Care
- Apply ocular lubricants (nonpreserved hyaluronate or carmellose eye drops) every 2 hours if significant irritation persists 6
- Daily ophthalmologic review may be necessary for moderate to severe exposures 6
Anti-inflammatory Treatment
- Topical corticosteroid drops (e.g., dexamethasone 0.1%) may reduce ocular surface damage when supervised by an ophthalmologist 6
- Corticosteroids should be used with caution as they can mask signs of corneal infection 6
Infection Prophylaxis
- Broad-spectrum topical antibiotic prophylaxis (e.g., moxifloxacin four times daily) is indicated if corneal fluorescein staining or frank ulceration is present 6
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never delay irrigation to transport the patient or search for specialized solutions—every second counts in preventing permanent damage 1, 2
- Do not induce emesis or attempt oral dilution for eye exposures 4
- Avoid cross-contamination of the unaffected eye, which can convert a unilateral injury to bilateral 1
- Do not underestimate the potential for long-term complications including corneal neovascularization, scarring, and vision loss even after seemingly minor exposures 7, 5
When to Escalate Care
- Contact regional poison centers for expert advice on management of severe cases 3
- Immediate ophthalmologic referral is recommended for exposures causing significant pain, vision changes, or visible corneal damage 2
- Severe injuries with extensive limbal ischemia may require specialized interventions including limbal stem cell transplantation 5