True or False: You should flush the eyes with water even if contact lenses remain in place.

True or False: You should flush the eyes with water even if contact lenses remain in place.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if lenses are soft
• D. Only under supervision

Answer: (B)

Flushing is important after OC spray exposure, but removing contact lenses first improves the effectiveness of irrigation. Lenses can trap the irritant against the cornea and block water from reaching all eye surfaces, so the best practice is to remove them if they can be removed safely, then rinse with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes. If lenses can’t be removed quickly, you can start rinsing with them in place, but aim to remove them as soon as possible and continue irrigation.

Flushing is important after OC spray exposure, but removing contact lenses first improves the effectiveness of irrigation. Lenses can trap the irritant against the cornea and block water from reaching all eye surfaces, so the best practice is to remove them if they can be removed safely, then rinse with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes. If lenses can’t be removed quickly, you can start rinsing with them in place, but aim to remove them as soon as possible and continue irrigation.