Treatment for Pepper Spray Exposure to the Eyes
Immediate Management
- The American Heart Association recommends immediate irrigation with copious amounts of tap water for 15 minutes as first-line treatment for pepper spray exposure to the eyes 1, 2
- Begin decontamination by irrigation immediately after pepper spray exposure to minimize eye damage 1
- Use copious amounts of tap water for irrigation, continuing for 15 minutes 1
- When performing irrigation, avoid contaminating the unaffected eye, other individuals, or surrounding areas 1
- Some patients may need assistance keeping their eyelids open during irrigation 1
Alternative Irrigation Solutions
- If immediately available, eye irrigation with normal saline, Ringer's lactate solution, or a commercial eye wash solution is reasonable 1, 3
- Commercial eye irrigation solutions may result in less severe eye injury compared to other irrigation fluids 3
- Balanced salt solutions may be more comfortable than other irrigation fluids 3
Special Considerations
- Contact regional poison centers for expert advice on management of severe cases 1, 4
- Pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum) is an irritant that causes temporary effects but can lead to significant discomfort 5