What is the recommended first aid for eye exposure to pesticides?

The recommended first aid for eye exposure to pesticides is to rinse the eyes for 15-20 minutes. This action is crucial because immediate flushing with clean, lukewarm water helps to dilute and wash away the harmful pesticide chemicals from the surface of the eye. This process can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or long-term damage to the eye.

Rinsing the eyes also helps alleviate any irritation and discomfort caused by exposure. It is standard protocol to perform this action as quickly as possible, ensuring that the water flows from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner, preventing the contaminated water from washing back into the eye. Post rinsing, it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation, especially if symptoms persist.

The other options, while they might appear helpful at first glance, do not address the immediate need to remove the chemical irritant effectively. Applying an eye patch may prevent further exposure but does not remove the pesticide. Using milk to soothe irritation is not supported by medical guidelines for chemical exposure as it may not effectively wash away the contaminants. Calling a physician is important but should follow the immediate action of rinsing the eyes to mitigate potential damage from the pesticide.