Drywall installation is often inevitable in construction and home improvement. But if you work with plasterboard, concrete, gypsum, or other wall panels, you better know the risks and take safety precautions. After all, one of the most common eye problems in construction is getting fine particles of drywall in the eyes.
Instead of wishing for the best or worrying about your eyes, we will teach you how to handle drywall dust in an eye situation. This guide includes first aid for drywall-in-eye incidents during renovation work.
The Risks of Drywall Dust in the Eye
Drywall dust consists of gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) and small amounts of silica, mica, and other additives. These harsh materials are not supposed to interact with the body, especially the eyes.
Accidentally getting drywall dust in the eye can result in a range of health issues. From mild ocular irritation to severe eye problems.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that compounds found in drywall dust have been associated with varying degrees of eye, nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation.
Gypsum, in particular, is a material that can cause intense eye discomfort.
The fine particles can embed themselves, leading to corneal abrasions and lead to infection. The risk is higher for people with pre-existing conditions affecting the eyes.
Recognizing the signs of distress and knowing when to seek medical help is key in these scenarios.
What Happens After Drywall Dust Gets in Your Eye?
Upon exposure, the eye responds with discomfort. The symptoms of ocular irritation from drywall dust are:
Gritty sensation
Burning sensation
Excessive tearing
Redness
Blurred vision (rare)
Immediate Effects of Drywall Dust in Eye
The fine nature of the drywall dust makes it easy to become airborne and enter the eyes.
Once in the eye, the dust disrupts the tear film, following dryness, redness, and irritation.
The alkaline nature of the drywall then causes a chemical-like reaction with a burning or stinging sensation.
The body's natural response to these eye disturbances is to flush out the particles, so the person starts tearing up excessively and oftentimes - uncontrollably.
However, the most considerable immediate discomfort is the foreign body sensation as if something is stuck in the eye.
Short-Term Complications
If the dust is not rinsed out immediately, it can lead to short-term complications.
scratches on the eye surface (corneal abrasions), inflammation of the conjunctiva (pink eye), or allergic reactions.
The rough texture of drywall particles can scratch the cornea (corneal abrasions), leading to pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Drywall dust is often a culprit for temporary conjunctiva inflammation manifesting as persistent redness and swelling.
Some individuals may have an allergic response with itching and excessive tearing.
Long-Term and Severe Complications
Some people may experience complications from repeated or prolonged exposure to drywall dust without eye protection.
Staring with chronic dry eye due to long-term disruption of tear production.
If the eye surface (cornea) is compromised due to abrasions, bacteria can enter the eye and cause severe corneal infections, called keratitis.
Rarely, untreated corneal abrasions can develop into ulcers or cause scarring, leading to long-term eye problems and vision impairment.
Some drywall products contain crystalline silica, which, in high exposure, has been linked to silicosis-related eye damage and even respiratory diseases.
Individuals who neglect to wash out the drywall dust are more prone to complications.
First Aid Tips if Drywall Dust Gets in Your Eye
If drywall dust gets into your eye, taking immediate action can alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of damage.
1. Stay Calm and Avoid Rubbing the Eye
The first step is to remain calm.
Rubbing your eye after getting drywall in can worsen irritation, and you risk scratching delicate surfaces.
Instead, keep your eye open to avoid trapping dust and try not to touch it.
2. Rinse the Eye Immediately
Rinsing your eyes with water is one of the most effective ways to remove drywall dust. Here, you have two options:
Flush with clean water, or
Use an eyewash solution or saline rinse
Option one is to use a gentle stream of lukewarm water. You can do this at a sink or using a clean cup. Press it gently against your eye and tilt your head to let water wash over the area.
Option two is more advanced but way better for the outcome. Using an eyewash or saline solution can provide a more efficient rinse.
3. Blink Continuously & Use Artificial Tears
After rinsing the drywall dust from the eye, blink regularly for at least 10 minutes. Blinking helps encourage tears to wash away any lingering dust. Artificial tears can further soothe irritation and flush out any remaining particles.
If you feel intense grittiness while blinking, it doesn't always mean there's still drywall in the eye. Scratchy sensations may occur because of existing cornea scratches.
4. Observe for Additional Symptoms
After rinsing and blinking for a few minutes, watch for persisting pain or symptoms like redness, foreign body sensation and swelling. Being vigilant helps identify any complications from drywall dust in the eye early.
5. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary
If eye discomfort continues or symptoms escalate, it is time to visit an eye care professional. They can evaluate your condition and recommend medicated eyedrops to reduce inflammation and the risk of infection.
Assessing the Severity of the Irritation
Not every instance of drywall dust entering the eye will result in severe problems. Yet, you should know when to seek medical attention.
Indicators that warrant emergency include:
Persistent pain
Changes in vision
Excessive tearing
Signs of infection
Discomfort that continues even after flushing the eye can signal a more serious issue. Blurriness or the appearance of spots could indicate severe eye damage from drywall dust. Another sign that prompts an emergency is if your eyes continue to water without relief. Increased redness, swelling, or discharge are all red flags as well.
In Summary...
People must know when and how to act if drywall dust gets in their eyes. First aid measures like rinsing the eye and looking for complication symptoms are a first line of eye health defense. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure your eyes are safe while you work on your home or construction projects.
✅ Medically reviewed
Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.