Message to all those peacefully protesting in America

​As I have a lot of my previous patients, family and friends living in the USA, I wanted to say that I am heartbroken over the current state of affairs in America.  I know there are many of you who will peacefully protest and march over the following days. You all may become exposed to gases and chemicals that can possibly injure your eyes.

Just a note to say that if you get any chemical in your eyes - pepper spray, tear gas, repellents, or anything else, remember in addition to wearing your mask...

· DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES - as hard as it it, try not to as rubbing can result in more damage to the surface of the eye.

· RINSE EYES WITH SALINE OR WATER - milk has not been shown to be any more effective. I have always told patients when they get a foreign body or chemical in the eyes....Rinse, Rinse and Rinse some more. If you have any re-wetting or lubricant eye drops, use those as much as possible

· If you are going to be near any danger to your eyes (chemicals or objects such as paintball, squash, racquetball), please WEAR SAFETY SPECTACLES. The chemicals won't melt the contacts but safety spectacles are more ideal.

· Consider visiting your optometrist as soon as you can to have your eyes checked as sometimes injuries to it may need an antibiotic eye drop.

Photo credit: Dr Lori Vollmer. Review of Optometry, 24 May  2006,