A common kitchen or culinary mishap includes droplets splashing into one’s eye while juicing or squeezing a wedge of lemon. The result? The stinging sensation that has you running to the nearest source of water for respite and relief. But what exactly happens to your body when lemon droplets get inside your eyes- do they stand to wreak havoc or is the damage mild?
According to Dr. Vijay Parbatani, Consultant in Ophthalmology at Manipal Hospital in Kharadi, Pune, the high acidity of lemon juice can irritate and create a severe stinging sensation when lemon droplets get inside the eye. Redness, tears, and a burning sensation in the eye may result from this. Additionally, the acidity may result in short-term pain and blurred eyesight.
It can be a distressing experience, even if the irritation is usually temporary.
Dr. Parbatani suggested promptly flushing the injured eye with clean, cool water for a few minutes in order to dilute and remove the acidic lemon juice and lessen the damage.
“To help further remove the irritation, blink often while you rinse. Steer clear of rubbing the eye as this could exacerbate the inflammation,” he said. If the pain continues, consider applying sterile saline drops and, if needed, visit a doctor.
Steer clear of rubbing the eye as this could exacerbate the inflammation (Source: Freepik)
Common mistakes people make that worsen the situation
Dr Parbatani shared that people often make the mistake of rubbing their eye, which can exacerbate irritation and cause scratches on the cornea. “Another mistake that raises the risk of infection is wiping the eye with unclean towels or water. Also, some people might ignore the ongoing suffering, which further delays necessary medical attention and makes the issue even worse,” he added.