What Happens If You Get Hand Sanitizer in Your Eyes?

Hand sanitizer has become a daily essential — from offices and classrooms to handbags and store entrances, it’s everywhere. 

Interestingly, using hand sanitizer can help keep your eyes healthy too — indirectly. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) eliminate bacteria and viruses, including those that can cause pink eye (conjunctivitis), before your hands ever touch your face.

But sometimes, accidents happen. If a bit of hand sanitizer splashes into your eyes, that refreshing “clean” feeling turns into an intense sting. Here’s what you should do — and why it’s important to act fast.

Can Hand Sanitizer Damage Your Eyes?

Yes — hand sanitizer can harm your eyes, especially if a large amount gets in. The alcohol (ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) found in sanitizers can cause chemical burns on the eye’s surface, leading to irritation, redness, and pain.

If you get a lot of sanitizer in your eye and don’t rinse it right away, it may cause more serious damage and even require medical attention.

However, if only a small amount enters your eye, it usually causes temporary discomfort — burning or stinging — that can be managed at home with prompt rinsing.

What to Do Immediately If Hand Sanitizer Gets in Your Eyes

If hand sanitizer touches your eye, don’t panic — but act immediately. Quick action can make all the difference.

Before you start:
Let any sanitizer on your hands dry completely. This prevents more alcohol from getting into your eye.

Then follow these steps:

1. Rinse your eye(s) under a gentle stream of clean, lukewarm water. Use a sink, water bottle, or eyewash station.

2. Flush for at least 15–20 minutes. Keep your eyes open and let water flow over them.

3. Remove contact lenses while rinsing, or immediately after.

4. Do not rub your eyes — rubbing can spread the alcohol and increase irritation.

5. After rinsing, if your eye still feels red, painful, or blurry, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible.

At EFE Glasses, we always emphasize the importance of eye care and safety — protecting your vision doesn’t end with stylish frames; it includes knowing how to respond to everyday eye emergencies too.

What to Do If It Happens to a Child

Children are especially vulnerable since sanitizer dispensers are often placed at their eye level.

If a child gets sanitizer in their eyes:

• Help them rinse under gentle running water for 15–20 minutes.

• Encourage them to keep their eyes open during rinsing.

• Watch for redness, crying, or excessive rubbing.
  If symptoms continue or worsen, see an eye care professional immediately.

To prevent accidents, always keep sanitizer out of reach of young children and supervise its use.

Common Symptoms of Hand Sanitizer Eye Exposure

If hand sanitizer splashes into your eye, you might experience:

• Stinging or burning sensation

• Redness or irritation

• Watery eyes

• Sensitivity to light

In more severe cases, you may notice:

• Blurry vision

• Temporary vision changes
  These symptoms are usually short-lived if you rinse promptly — but if they persist, seek medical care right away.

Can Hand Sanitizer in the Eye Cause Blindness?

It’s highly unlikely that hand sanitizer will make you blind. Most cases cause temporary irritation that resolves with rinsing.

However, without proper flushing, alcohol can damage the corneal surface, leading to inflammation or infection. In rare cases, that may affect vision temporarily.

So while blindness is not a common outcome, taking the right action immediately is essential to protect your eye health.

What If You Get Rubbing Alcohol in Your Eyes?

Rubbing alcohol — usually made of isopropyl alcohol and water — is closely related to the alcohol found in sanitizers. Unfortunately, it’s just as harsh (if not more).

If you accidentally get rubbing alcohol in your eyes:

• Rinse immediately with water for 15–20 minutes.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes.

• Visit an eye doctor or urgent care clinic if pain or redness persists.

Even a small amount of rubbing alcohol can irritate or injure your eyes, so treat it just as seriously as hand sanitizer exposure.

How to Prevent Hand Sanitizer Eye Injuries

Eye injuries from sanitizer are surprisingly common, but easily preventable with a few simple habits:

• Check the direction of the nozzle. Always aim away from your face and eyes.

• Be careful with nearly empty bottles. They often require more pressure, which can cause the gel to spray unexpectedly.

• Keep sanitizer away from kids. Use child-safe bottles or help them apply it.

• Avoid touching your eyes. Wait until your hands are fully dry.

• Wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible — it’s safer and more effective at removing dirt and germs.

• Wear glasses. Eyewear provides an extra layer of protection. Even non-prescription glasses or sunglasses can act as a barrier against accidental splashes.

At EFE Glasses, we believe eyewear is more than a fashion statement — it’s a tool for eye protection and confidence. Whether you’re wearing blue light glasses, prescription lenses, or stylish sunnies, your eyes deserve to stay safe and healthy.

Key Takeaway

Getting hand sanitizer in your eyes can be painful — but it’s rarely dangerous if treated quickly.
The best response? Rinse immediately, avoid rubbing, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Remember: protecting your eyes isn’t just about what you wear, but also how you care for them. And with EFE Glasses, you can do both — keep your eyes safe and look great doing it.