Eye Irrigation for Chemical Burn

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Chemical burns of the eye need immediate and copious irrigation. Take the patient to an eyewash station, if available, while setting up the irrigation. The specific type of solution is less important than starting irrigation immediately. If you have a choice of fluids the order of preference is: balanced solution, lactated ringers, and then saline. Use a Morgan lens if available, connect it to IV tubing, and a liter bag of fluid that will be run wide open. A nasal cannula can be used if a Morgan lens is not available. Once the liter of fluid is complete, wait a few minutes and then check the pH of the eye to make sure it is neutral. Once the pH is neutral, stain the cornea with fluorescein to check for injuries. Start antibiotic ophthalmic ointment and arrange for close ophthalmology follow up.

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