What must be done if acid splashes into the eyes?

Flushing the eyes with cool water for 15-20 minutes is the appropriate response if acid splashes into the eyes. Immediately washing out the eyes helps to dilute and remove the acidic substance, minimizing damage to the eye tissues. Continuous rinsing is essential because it prevents the acid from further reacting with the sensitive tissues of the eye, which can cause severe injury.

The duration of 15-20 minutes is recommended by safety guidelines and helps ensure that the acid is thoroughly washed out. Additionally, it is important to keep the eyelids open to allow water to thoroughly rinse the entire eye surface. This method is critical in emergency situations involving chemical exposure, where prompt and effective first aid can significantly reduce long-term damage.

Additionally, using saline solution is less effective than rinsing with plain water in the event of acid exposure, because the primary goal is to neutralize and dilute the irritant as quickly and effectively as possible.