What is the immediate action to take for eye burns?

Flushing the eye with normal saline for a minimum of 20 minutes is the appropriate immediate action for eye burns. This procedure helps to dilute and remove any harmful chemicals or substances that may have caused the burn. The goal is to minimize tissue damage and alleviate pain by swiftly clearing the irritants from the ocular surface. It is essential to start this flushing as soon as possible after the burn occurs to reduce the risk of serious complications, such as permanent vision loss.

While antibiotic ointment may be necessary in some cases of eye injury to prevent infection, it is not the first action to take in the case of burns, as the foreign materials must be removed first. Covering the eye without flushing would trap the irritants, potentially causing more harm. Seeking medical attention is vital, but flushing the eye is crucial before any further treatment is undertaken, as it addresses the immediate risk posed by the chemical or thermal exposure.