Q: A sweetened kids' drink spilled into my child's eyes. What should I do?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My child was lying down holding a sweetened kids' drink, and a lot of it spilled directly into their eyes. Will it be okay if I just wash their eyes out well? Should I put in some artificial tears?

Answer:

It is completely understandable that you are worried. Since a large amount of the sweetened drink got in, your child might be feeling quite uncomfortable.

Immediate actions to take:

1. Rinse thoroughly with clean water: Lay your child down and let the water flow gently from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner.

2. Rinse continuously for at least 5 to 10 minutes: This is absolutely necessary to flush out the sugars and additives, even if your child resists or cries.

3. Gently pat dry: Use a clean towel to lightly wipe only the skin around the eyes. Make sure your child does not rub their eyes, as this can cause corneal scratches.

Using artificial tears:

* You can use preservative-free artificial tears if there is still mild redness or irritation after thoroughly washing the eyes.

* Apply 1 to 2 drops every 2 to 3 hours to help soothe the eyes.

When to see a doctor:

Please visit an ophthalmologist or a pediatrician immediately if you observe any of the following:

* Redness, tearing, or an inability to open the eyes persists for more than 30 minutes after washing.

* Your child complains of blurred vision or sensitivity to light.

* Your child complains of persistent pain or continues to aggressively rub their eyes.

In most cases, sugary drinks will not cause permanent harm to the eyes if they are washed out quickly and thoroughly. Because the sugar content can be very sticky and irritating, sufficient rinsing is the most important step right now!

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us