Chemical Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Eye Irritation

What Are Common Causes of Chemical Conjunctivitis?

Getting chemicals in the eye(s) can cause eye irritation or chemical conjunctivitis. Common culprits include shampoos, smoke, cleaning chemicals, chlorine, eye drops, contact lens solution, eye drop preservatives, medicinal eye drops, eye makeup, sprays, pollutants, household cleaners, and others.

Eye Irritation

Symptoms of Chemical Conjunctivitis:

 -Pain

 -Burning

 -Possible vision loss

 -Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

 -Redness

-The feeling of having a foreign body in the eye

If your eye irritation has been developing over time, look around you. Do you recall when the irritation began? Did something change in your environment? If you can determine what the cause is, try to eliminate it or change that factor (like contact solution, eye drops, or makeup). Try to eliminate the offending factor. Be very careful with household cleaners, sprays, and other chemicals. Consider possible eye allergies and treat them accordingly.

If it is an ongoing problem, try using artificial tears to soothe your eyes and apply cool, moist compresses. If you develop eye irritation, vision changes, light sensitivity, there has been an apparent injury, pain, or the feeling that something is in your eye, see a healthcare provider or, ideally, an eye doctor. The latter usually have the means to examine your eye more closely and can order the appropriate medications for treatment.

Is It an Emergency?​

You only have two eyes, so be proactive. If certain strong chemicals get into your eye (especially a strong acid or base - like battery acid, or lye, in drain cleaners they can cause vision loss. Certain chemicals can cause intense burning and damage to the eye; they often causes pain, vision loss, redness, and swelling. Immediately rinse your eye under lukewarm running water for 15-20 minutes. Seek urgent care or go to the emergency department (ED) for further examination and treatment. If possible, bring the chemical’s container with you.

If you have any questions about the nature of the chemical, treatment, and potential damage, call Poison Control - tell them the name of the substance that got in your eye. They will give you further instructions.

​POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222