If pesticides get into your eyes, what should you do?

Flushing your eyes with clean water for 15 minutes is the recommended course of action if pesticides get into your eyes. This approach is crucial because it helps to dilute and wash away the harmful substances, potentially minimizing irritation and damage to the eye. Continuous rinsing for this duration ensures that any residual pesticide is removed, reducing the risk of serious injury.

Using eye drop solutions may not be effective since these products are not specifically designed to remove contaminants and might even exacerbate irritation. Wiping your eyes with a cloth is also detrimental, as this can cause further irritation or abrasions to the delicate surface of the eye. Covering your eyes and seeking help is an important step if immediate flushing is not possible, but it should not replace the flushing process, as time is vital in reducing exposure and potential damage.