Accidents can happen anytime and to anyone. If you, unfortunately, get motor oil in eye, this article will help you understand the risks and what you need to do.
If you are working under your vehicle and the oil from the engine leaks, it is a possibility that the oil can fall into your eye. Motor oil in the eye can cause a lot of discomfort, pain, or in some situations, serious damage.
Thus, it is important to know the basic first aid you need to follow as you wait for medical assistance. In this article, we will discuss the same, starting from understanding motor oil and its functions to a step-by-step tutorial on what to do if motor oil gets into the eye.
Concerns Related To Motor Oil
Motor oil is one of the most important things in the smooth running of a vehicle’s engine. It is a lubricant that prevents the engine’s metal parts from welding together.
If motor oil isn’t used for greasing the engine, your engine would eventually get destroyed. Its parts would wear out. Motor oil plays quite a significant role in the working of a vehicle.
Motor oil doesn’t wear out for a long time, but it does get dirty. It needs to be replaced from time to time. Used motor oil can be refined and re-used repeatedly for many years.
One of the biggest concerns when using motor oil is to avoid it getting into one’s eye. Motor oil is an eye irritant and can cause a lot of pain or discomfort in the organ. It can also cause many skin problems, including irritation and dermatitis, so it should be handled carefully.
You might like to read: How To Get Motor Oil Out of Trunk Carpet?
What to do when motor oil gets in the eye?
Motor oil contains many chemicals, including hydrocarbons, phenoxides, and metal chemicals like barium and cadmium. If a motor oil full of these chemicals gets splashed in the eye, it can cause discomfort and pain.
So, what should be done when motor oil gets in the eye?
The first step should avoid getting the oil in the eye by using the necessary measures. However, immediately take the following steps if it still splashes in your eye.
- Flush your eyes with lukewarm tap water for 10 to 20 minutes until you feel better. You can also hold the lids of your affected eye and put it under a running faucet so that a stream of water can directly access the eye and rinse it.
- Once you have thoroughly washed your eye, wash your hands with soap to ensure no chemicals are left on the skin.
- Now, lie down and keep your eyes closed and ask someone to call emergency assistance.
- It is recommended not to put any eye drops in the eye until a medical professional recommends it. If you must place an eyedrop in the affected area, use an eye drop of artificial tears to cool your eye.
- While the emergency assistance arrives, use a warm and dry towel to cover your eye. You can also warmly compress your eye with a soft cloth.
- Even if you feel better in the eye, it is recommended to see a doctor and get your eyes tested to be safe.
Precautions to keep when cleansing the eye
Once you have cleansed the affected eye with water, there are certain things to keep in mind to avoid further damage.
- Do not rub the affected area since it can cause further damage to the eye.
- Do not use eye drops before medical assistance arrives, and check your vision.
- Keep your eyes closed till help arrives. However, do not shut them too tightly since it can further lead to damage.
- If you have to get outside, use sunglasses to protect your eyes.
You might like to read: Will Excess Spilt Motor Oil Evaporate?
How Do You Flush Chemicals Out Of Your Eyes?
Wash your eyes immediately with the tap water for 10 to 20 minutes. You can use several approaches to flush the chemicals out of your look with the help of water.
One way to do it is to get into the shower and direct the stream on your nose or forehead bridge over the eye. You can also hold your lid and put your eye directly in front of the faucet to rinse it.
Can eyes recover from chemical burns?
It entirely depends on the damage that is done to your eyes. If it is recoverable, the most discomfort that can happen to your eyes is irritation, burning sensation, redness, pain, blurry vision, watery eyes, and swelling of the eyelids.
In case of further damage, complications may occur in the eye, and can lead to retinal problems, glaucoma, cataract, corneal ulcer, or even loss of vision?
How long should you rinse your eyes after a chemical gets in them?
You should rinse your eyes for at least 10 to 20 minutes, maybe more, if needed. However, it is important to seek medical assistance even if you feel better after rinsing the affected eye.
Frequently asked questions
#1. How do I remove oil from my eyes?
- The first thing to do is wash your eyes with lukewarm tap water for at least 10 minutes.
- Once you have passed your eyes thoroughly with water, lie down on a bed and cover your eyes with a soft towel.
- You can compress your eye with a soft, warm cloth.
- You can lie in a dark room to relax your eyes.
- Lastly, even if you feel better in your regard, seek medical assistance to know if any damage is done to the eye.
#2. Can you wash your eyes with tap water?
Yes, you can wash your eyes with lukewarm tap water. However, it is recommended not to rinse your watch with unusually cold water, or it can cause further damage to the affected area.
A Few Final Words
You should always wear protective glasses when working with an engine filled with motor oil. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and so you must take all the precautions to avoid any unfortunate event that can damage any part of your body.
Thank you for reading, we hope this answers all your questions. Do write to us in case you have more questions and we will make sure to get back to you with the answers.
Above all, remember that if you are facing a lot of irritation, itching and burning in your eyes, please immediately go to a doctor and have it checked out.
