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?
Dr Vijay Parbatani, Consultant – Ophthalmology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune said that when lemon droplets enter the eye, the high acidity of the lemon juice can cause a sharp stinging sensation and irritation. This can lead to redness, tearing, and a burning feeling in the eye. The acidity may also cause temporary discomfort and blurred vision.
Even though in most cases, the irritation is short-lived, it can be a distressing experience.
In order to reduce the damage, Dr Parbatani advised diluting and removing the acidic lemon juice, by immediately flush the affected eye with clean, cool water for several minutes.
“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.
Precautions to be kept in mind
- Squeeze lemons gently and aim away from the face to prevent lemon droplets from getting in the eyes.
- When squeezing, think about donning safety glasses or shielding the pupils with the hand.
- To reduce the chance of unexpected spills, minimize direct contact with the juice by using a lemon squeezer.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
