Ocular decontamination of poisons

Ocular decontamination involves copious irrigation of the affected eye(s) with an isotonic fluid (eg sodium chloride 0.9% or compound sodium lactate [Hartmann] solution). For substances that are irritant, but minimally corrosive, irrigation of the affected eye(s) for 15 to 20 minutes is usually adequate. For injuries involving an alkaline substance, continue irrigation until the pH of the affected eye(s) is normal (pH between 6.5 to 8.5).

Refer patients with ocular injuries to an ophthalmologist.