First Aid for Pepper Spray in the Eyes

Pepper spray exposure can feel overwhelming. The burning, tearing, and sudden vision changes happen almost instantly, making it hard to think clearly. Knowing exactly what to do if you get pepper spray in your eyes can help reduce discomfort and lower the risk of complications.

While most effects are temporary and improve within 20 to 45 minutes, quick and calm action matters.

First Steps After Pepper Spray Exposure

If you get pepper spray in your eyes, prioritize safety and fresh air immediately.

1. Move to Fresh Air

Pepper spray is airborne. Leave the area as quickly as possible and move away from any visible mist or cloud. If indoors, open doors and windows to improve ventilation.

2. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

It’s instinctive but rubbing can worsen irritation and increase the risk of corneal scratches.

3. Remove Contact Lenses

Take out contact lenses immediately and discard them. They can trap the chemical against your eyes.

Wash eyeglasses thoroughly with soap and water before wearing them again.

4. Rinse Your Eyes Thoroughly

Flush your eyes with clean, room-temperature water or saline solution for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

• Tilt your head to the side.

• Let the water run from the inner corner outward.

• Blink normally to help wash out the irritant.

There is no proven benefit to using milk, despite common myths. Water or sterile saline is safest and most effective.

Decontaminate Your Skin and Clothing

Pepper spray can cling to fabric and skin, continuing to cause irritation.

• Remove contaminated clothing carefully. If necessary, cut items off instead of pulling them over your head.

• Wash exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible.

• Place clothing in a sealed plastic bag (double-bag if possible).

• Wash jewelry thoroughly with soap and water.

If you’re helping someone else, wear gloves if available to avoid secondary exposure.

What Symptoms Are Normal?

Eye symptoms usually begin immediately and may include:

• Intense stinging or burning

• Excessive tearing

• Blurred vision

• Temporary inability to open the eyes

• Light sensitivity

Pepper spray can also irritate the throat, lungs, and skin, causing coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or difficulty speaking.

In most cases, symptoms improve within 30 to 45 minutes after exposure once you’re in fresh air and have rinsed thoroughly.

When to Seek Medical Care

Although pepper spray is considered less lethal than other chemical agents, complications can occur. A systematic review found that nearly 9% of reported injuries from crowd-control agents were serious enough to require medical attention.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Severe or persistent eye pain

• Ongoing blurry vision or vision loss

• Wheezing or breathing difficulty

• Chest pain

• Severe coughing

• Symptoms lasting longer than expected

Children, older adults, and people with asthma or chronic lung disease may be at higher risk for complications.

Possible Complications

Most people recover fully, but in some cases, pepper spray exposure can lead to:

• Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye surface)

• Chemical burns

• Asthma attacks or respiratory distress

• Rarely, long-term eye damage such as glaucoma or cataracts

If you notice redness, sharp pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes that persist for more than a day, schedule an eye exam promptly.

How to Reduce Your Risk

If you’re entering an environment where pepper spray may be used, consider protective steps:

• Avoid wearing contact lenses

• Skip eye makeup

• Wear shatter-resistant goggles

• Use a well-fitted respirator mask if available

• Bring water for rinsing

• Wear long sleeves and closed-toe shoes

• Carry rescue medications if you have asthma or severe allergies

Preparation can significantly reduce exposure severity.

The Bottom Line

If you get pepper spray in your eyes, move to fresh air immediately and rinse with water or saline for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid rubbing, remove contacts, and wash contaminated clothing and skin.

Most symptoms improve within an hour, but persistent pain, vision changes, or breathing problems require medical evaluation. Acting quickly can protect both your comfort and your long-term eye health.

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