What to Do After Vaseline Enters Your Eye with Night Contacts: A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing blurry vision after accidentally getting Vaseline in your eye while wearing night contacts can be alarming. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively address the situation and protect your eyesight.

Symptoms and Initial Assessment

If you notice any blurred or hazy vision after Vaseline comes into contact with your eye, it is crucial to assess the situation promptly. Your initial symptoms may include:

Blurriness or discomfort in the affected eye Pain or irritation in the eye Tearing or watering of the eye Redness in the eye

Immediate Actions: Keeping the Eye Clean

The first thing you should do is to thoroughly wash out your eye. You can use filtered and boiled water, but tap water is generally safe to use as well. If you have contact lenses in, you should remove them and clean them properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Clean the Eye and Lenses

Approach a clean sink or basin with running water. Use clean fingers to gently press the eyelids together, allowing tears to flush the eye. Continue washing the eye thoroughly for several minutes. Once you are satisfied that the eye is clean, use a contact lens solution to clean the lens. You may need to leave the lens out of your eye for a while to allow the cleaning solution to work effectively. Place the lens in a clean case and store it as usual.

Treating with Eye Drops

If your eye is still feeling uncomfortable after the initial cleaning, you can use prescribed eye drops to help flush out the Vaseline. Keep washing your eye every hour or so to keep the Vaseline moving out of the eye. This will help in ensuring that both the Vaseline and the eye drops work together to remove the grease effectively.

Handling Adhesives and Bonding Issues

In some cases, the Vaseline may bond with your natural tear film or could have been a cyanoacrylate adhesive. Here’s what you should do:

Avoid forcing the eyes apart: Cyanoacrylate adhesives can bond to the tear film, but not to the eye. Applying a cool compress can help manage the adhesive. Heat generated by the adhesive can be dangerous, so it’s important to keep the area cool. Contact your doctor: Seek medical advice immediately. Doctors can provide the necessary saline wash for the eye and assess if there is any remaining glue or debris. Manufacturer consultation: Before using any adhesive again, consult the manufacturer for proper use and removal instructions. It is important to follow all emergency instructions, especially for adhesives.

Medical Attention is Key

Even after taking the necessary steps at home, it is important to consult with an eye specialist, especially if there is persistent blurriness, pain, or discomfort after Vaseline is in the eye. Eye specialists can provide the proper saline wash and further assessment for any remaining adhesive or debris. Delaying medical attention can lead to further damage to the corneal tissue, including corneal erosion or epithelial defect.

Encouragement for Timely Medical Attention

If you suspect that the Vaseline or any adhesive has caused serious damage, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. Delaying action can exacerbate the situation and potentially cause long-term vision impairment. Please prioritize your ocular health and take the necessary steps to ensure your eyes are cared for correctly.

Remember, your eyes are vital and beautiful just the way they are. Taking the proper measures to deal with these eye incidents can help ensure your vision remains sharp and clear.