If pesticides get into your eyes you should flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes while holding your eyelid open.

If pesticides get into your eyes you should flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes while holding your eyelid open.

• A. False
• B. Not sure
• C. Depends
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Immediate eye irrigation is the key first aid step for chemical exposure. Flushing the eye with clean water for about 15 minutes dilutes and washes away the pesticide, reducing contact time and minimizing damage to the cornea. Holding the eyelids open ensures the water reaches all eye surfaces, including under the lids, so no residue remains. Do this as soon as possible using clean running water or sterile saline. If possible, remove contact lenses to improve rinsing. Avoid rubbing the eye, and continue rinsing for the full 15 minutes. After irrigation, seek medical care, especially if there is ongoing pain, vision changes, or redness.

Immediate eye irrigation is the key first aid step for chemical exposure. Flushing the eye with clean water for about 15 minutes dilutes and washes away the pesticide, reducing contact time and minimizing damage to the cornea. Holding the eyelids open ensures the water reaches all eye surfaces, including under the lids, so no residue remains.

Do this as soon as possible using clean running water or sterile saline. If possible, remove contact lenses to improve rinsing. Avoid rubbing the eye, and continue rinsing for the full 15 minutes. After irrigation, seek medical care, especially if there is ongoing pain, vision changes, or redness.