Should You See an Eye Doctor After Water Splashing in Your Eyes?

Q: Should You See an Eye Doctor After Water Splashing in Your Eyes?

Hello： Based on your description, you got water splashed in your eyes while washing dishes, and there is no redness or pain. <br>Generally, if your eyes feel comfortable and your vision has not changed, there should not be a significant issue. <br>It is common for water to enter

Water splashed into the eyes during rinsing?

While washing dishes, the water pressure from the pump was very strong, causing water to splash onto the dishes and then up into my eyes.
There was no redness or pain, but it startled me because it happened twice.
I just feel shocked; I hope it didn't injure my eyeball since I don't feel any pain...
Don't swimmers often get splashed in the eyes too? Do I really need to see an ophthalmologist? Visiting an eye doctor feels exhausting because of the dilation and the air puff test for eye pressure, so I really don't want to go.

Shangwei, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/17

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Based on your description, you got water splashed in your eyes while washing dishes, and there is no redness or pain.
Generally, if your eyes feel comfortable and your vision has not changed, there should not be a significant issue.
It is common for water to enter the eyes while swimming, and typically, the eyes have a self-protective mechanism that can tolerate brief exposure to water.
However, please keep the following points in mind: 1.
Hygiene: If you are concerned about impurities or bacteria in the water, it is advisable to rinse your eyes with clean saline solution or artificial tears to ensure there are no residues.
2.
Observation: Monitor your eyes for any signs of redness, swelling, pain, blurred vision, or increased discharge.
If any abnormalities occur, seek medical attention immediately.
As for whether you need to see an ophthalmologist right away, if you currently have no discomfort, you can observe for now.
If you later experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to ensure your eye health is not compromised.
Wishing you good health and safety!

Reply Date: 2024/07/17

More Info

When it comes to water splashing into your eyes, especially from a strong source like a pressurized water pump, it's understandable to feel concerned. However, the absence of pain, redness, or swelling is a good sign that your eyes may not have sustained any serious injury. In general, if you experience a splash of water—whether from washing dishes, swimming, or any other activity—most of the time, your eyes can handle it without any lasting effects.

The human eye is quite resilient. The outer layer, known as the cornea, is designed to protect the inner structures of the eye from foreign substances, including water. When water splashes into your eyes, it usually just causes a temporary sensation of discomfort or surprise, but it doesn't necessarily mean that there is damage. In fact, many people who swim or engage in water sports frequently get water in their eyes without any issues.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. If the water that splashed into your eyes was contaminated (for example, if it was dirty dishwater), there is a slight risk of infection or irritation. In such cases, it’s advisable to rinse your eyes gently with clean water or saline solution to help flush out any potential irritants. If you notice any symptoms such as persistent redness, pain, blurred vision, or discharge from the eyes, it would be wise to seek medical attention from an eye care professional.

Regarding your concern about seeing an eye doctor, it's understandable to feel apprehensive about the process, especially if it involves procedures like dilation or tonometry (measuring eye pressure). However, if you are not experiencing any discomfort or visual disturbances after the incident, it may not be necessary to visit an eye doctor immediately. You can monitor your symptoms over the next few days. If any unusual symptoms arise, then it would be prudent to schedule an appointment.

In summary, while it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to eye health, your current lack of symptoms suggests that you may not need to see an eye doctor right away. Just keep an eye on how you feel in the coming days. If everything remains normal, you can likely avoid the hassle of an eye exam. However, if you do experience any changes in your vision or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Your eye health is important, and it’s always best to address any concerns sooner rather than later.

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