According to the eye decontamination protocol, you should first remove contact lenses and then...

According to the eye decontamination protocol, you should first remove contact lenses and then...

• A. Flush with water while moving the eyes in multiple directions
• B. Immediately wipe the eyes dry without flushing
• C. Continue wearing lenses during flushing
• D. Apply eye drops and wait

Answer: (A)

Removing contact lenses first is essential because lenses can trap the chemical against the eye and block the cleansing flow from reaching all eye surfaces. Once the lenses are out, flush with clean water or saline while the eyes are moved in multiple directions—up, down, left, right—so the irrigating fluid can sweep under the eyelids and across the entire cornea and conjunctiva. This method maximizes contaminant removal and reduces ongoing exposure. Wiping the eyes dry, wearing lenses during flushing, or applying eye drops and waiting all fail to remove the contaminant effectively and delay proper decontamination.

Removing contact lenses first is essential because lenses can trap the chemical against the eye and block the cleansing flow from reaching all eye surfaces. Once the lenses are out, flush with clean water or saline while the eyes are moved in multiple directions—up, down, left, right—so the irrigating fluid can sweep under the eyelids and across the entire cornea and conjunctiva. This method maximizes contaminant removal and reduces ongoing exposure. Wiping the eyes dry, wearing lenses during flushing, or applying eye drops and waiting all fail to remove the contaminant effectively and delay proper decontamination.