Last Updated: November 9, 2021
The FDA released a warning that getting alcohol-based hand sanitizer in a person’s eyes can result in serious eye injury. With the increased use of hand sanitizers, the number of such injuries has gone up. The risk is highest for children, because they may not know how to use hand sanitizer safely, and wall- or stand-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers are at eye level for them so they are at greater risk of being splashed when dispensing hand sanitizer.
To reduce the risk of injury, hand sanitizer should never be applied in or around the eye. When hand sanitizer is used, the hands should be rubbed until the sanitizer fully evaporates and the hands are dry. If eye contact does occur, immediately rinse the eye with water for 15-20 minutes. Get urgent medical help if irritation persists.