The Hidden Danger: My Experience with Plaster in the Eye

Introduction

Working on DIY projects can often be fulfilling, but they’re not without risks, as I learned the hard way. One late evening, while finishing a wall, I had an unexpected and painful encounter with gypsum multi-finish plaster by getting plaster in my eye.

The Incident – Plaster in the Eye

As I was working, some plaster splattered onto my face and, more critically, into my eye. Initially, I tried to wash it out, underestimating the severity of the situation. Plaster, especially when mixed with water, can spread and stick, making it difficult to remove completely. This was a mistake I would soon regret.

With the eye hospital closed for the night, I turned to a plasterers’ forum for advice. Many suggested washing it out, which I had already attempted. By the next morning, my eye was swollen and painful, prompting a visit to the emergency eye department.

Medical Emergency

At the hospital, the doctors took a pH reading of both my eyes to assess the damage. Plaster in the eye is dangerous because it can cause chemical burns and potentially lead to severe damage or loss of vision. The treatment involved flushing my eye with an alkaline solution over several hours, interspersed with pH readings to monitor progress.

Aftermath and Recovery

After the extensive wash, the doctor found that the plaster had scratched my cornea. I was prescribed four different eye drops to manage the injury and prevent infection. Despite this, I developed conjunctivitis, which thankfully subsided after a few days. It took three more hospital visits before I was finally out of danger.

Key Advice

My experience taught me two crucial lessons. First, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling materials like gypsum plaster. Second, in the event of an accident, don’t delay seeking professional medical help. Plaster can cause severe chemical burns to the eye, risking permanent damage or loss of sight. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, go straight to the hospital without hesitation. Your vision is too precious to risk.

If you need to seek advice in the UK you can reach out to 111.