The FDA has issued a new safety concern communication warning of the dangers associated with getting hand sanitizer in the eyes, reporting more than 3,500 cases of ocular exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with adverse events.
Injuries associated with ocular exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitizer has been reported in all age groups, but is most common among children, the FDA communication said.
If a patient experiences ocular exposure to a hand sanitizer, they should immediately and thoroughly rinse their affected eye with clean water for 15 to 20 minutes, the FDA communication said.