From the Guidelines
If nail glue gets into your eye, this is a medical emergency requiring immediate action, and you should flush your eye continuously with clean, room-temperature water or saline solution for at least 15-20 minutes, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1.
Immediate Action
When nail glue comes into contact with the eye, it is crucial to act quickly to minimize damage. The primary concern is the cyanoacrylate in the nail glue, which can bond rapidly to tissue, leading to corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or even sealing the eyelids shut.
- Do not attempt to neutralize the glue with other substances.
- Avoid pulling hardened glue from your eye, as this can cause further injury.
- Refrain from rubbing your eye, as this action can exacerbate the damage.
First Aid and Medical Attention
After flushing your eye, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care facility, even if your eye feels better. Medical professionals have the necessary solutions and techniques to safely remove the adhesive and assess and treat any damage to prevent complications like infection or vision loss.
- The use of protective eyewear when working with nail glue is highly recommended to prevent such accidents.
- According to the guidelines for first aid, decontamination by irrigation should be performed immediately after chemical exposure to the eyes, and unless otherwise recommended by local guidelines, irrigation with a copious amount of tap water for 15 minutes should be performed 1.
Treatment and Prevention
In the context of corneal edema and opacification, the application of tissue adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate, may be considered in specific cases, like progressive thinning of the cornea or small perforations, as discussed in the corneal edema and opacification preferred practice pattern 1. However, this is a medical procedure that should only be performed by a professional.
- The importance of seeking immediate medical attention cannot be overstated, as the longer the glue remains in contact with the eye, the greater the potential damage.
- Always prioritize wearing protective eyewear when working with substances like nail glue to prevent eye injuries.
From the Research
Nail Glue in the Eye: Clinical Effects and Management
- Ocular nail glue exposures can result in potentially serious clinical effects, including foreign body, corneal abrasion, and conjunctivitis 2
- The most common circumstance leading to ocular nail glue exposures is mistaking nail glue for eye drops, which can lead to accidental instillation of superglue in the eye 2, 3
- Clinical signs at presentation may include conjunctival congestion, polymerized glue stuck to the eyelashes and eyelids, and corneal abrasion 4
Prevention and Treatment
- Immediate medical aid is essential to prevent ocular morbidity in cases of accidental instillation of superglue in the eye 3, 4
- Topical antibiotics may be used to reduce the risk of surgical site infection in wounds healing by primary intention, but their use in ocular nail glue exposures is not well established 5
- The use of topical antimicrobials, including antibiotics and antiseptics, is challenging due to increasing rates of bacterial resistance and local hypersensitivity reactions 6
Clinical Profile and Management
- Ocular superglue injuries can be managed with medical therapy alone, and most cases resolve without long-term ocular complications 4
- Examination under anesthesia may be required in some cases to evaluate the extent of the injury 4
- Modifications in the packaging of superglue containers and awareness about their deleterious effects could prevent these injuries 4