Answer:

502 glue is an adhesive that rapidly hardens upon contact with moisture. If it gets into the eye, this glue can immediately react with tears, solidifying on the surface of the eyeball and eyelids. This causes uncomfortable stinging, watery eyes, and redness.

Many people worry that 502 glue in the eye will lead to permanent vision loss. However, most cases do not result in blindness if proper first aid and treatment are administered. Damage typically occurs on the surface of the eyeball, particularly the cornea and conjunctiva.

Upon contact with tears, 502 glue can cause the eyelids to stick together, making it difficult to open the eye or temporarily obstructing the optical axis. In some instances, corneal abrasions may occur due to friction or if the person attempts to rub their eye or forcibly remove the adhesive layer. If the injury is superficial and treated early, vision often recovers well.

Doctor Thu examines a patient's eye. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

The risk of prolonged vision impairment primarily arises when the cornea sustains deep damage, treatment is delayed, or care is improper, leading to infection. Therefore, prompt first aid and a timely visit to an ophthalmology specialist are crucial.

If 502 glue gets into the eye, the affected person should immediately rinse the eye with clean water or saline solution continuously for about 15-20 minutes to reduce the amount of glue remaining on the eyeball's surface. During first aid, avoid rubbing the eye or attempting to separate the eyelids by hand, and do not use hard objects to pry off the glue layer, as this can increase the risk of corneal damage.

Do not attempt to use acetone or other solvents to dissolve the glue in the eye. These chemicals can cause severe irritation or chemical burns, worsening the injury.

After first aid, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmology clinic for an assessment of the injury's extent. A doctor can clean any remaining glue, evaluate the cornea, and prescribe medication if needed.

You should have your eyes examined by a doctor. In most cases, the eye can recover after a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the injury, if treated correctly and promptly. Patients should follow the doctor's instructions for medication, avoid rubbing their eyes, and attend follow-up appointments to monitor vision and corneal recovery. To minimize accidents, use 502 glue in a well-lit area, store it separately from eye drops, keep it tightly sealed after use, and prevent small children from accessing it.

Master, Doctor Luong Thi Anh Thu

High-Tech Eye Center

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi