FDA warns of dangers associated with ocular exposure to hand sanitizer
The FDA has issued a new safety concern communication warning of the dangers associated with getting hand sanitizer in the eyes, reporting more than 3,500 cases of ocular exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with adverse events.
Injuries associated with ocular exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitizer has been reported in all age groups, but is most common among children, the FDA communication said.
If a patient experiences ocular exposure to a hand sanitizer, they should immediately and thoroughly rinse their affected eye with clean water for 15 to 20 minutes, the FDA communication said.
The most common side effects identified by the FDA during an investigation of 3,642 cases of ocular exposure include eye pain or irritation and conjunctivitis, the communication said. There were 58 cases of more serious injury to the eyes. All of these cases were treated by rinsing with saline or water. Nearly half or 26 eyes also received antibiotics.