In an eye irrigation scenario involving a strong acid or alkali, irrigation should continue for how long?

• A. 20 minutes
• B. 5 minutes
• C. 10 minutes
• D. 2 minutes

Answer: (A)

Prolonged irrigation is essential because the eye will continue to be damaged as long as the chemical remains, so the goal is to dilute and remove it and bring the surface pH back to normal. For strong acids or alkalis, you should flush about twenty minutes to ensure the chemical is adequately diluted and removed and the ocular surface pH can normalize. If pH testing is available, check periodically and continue until the pH is near neutral (around 7.0–7.4). In the absence of pH testing, irrigate for roughly twenty minutes as a safe, effective duration. Use copious, steady flow with normal saline or clean water, keep the eye open, and direct the flow from the inner corner outward to minimize contamination of the other eye. Short irrigation times are insufficient because the chemical can continue to cause damage, especially with strong alkalis that penetrate tissues more deeply.