Chemicals in Eye.  Most chemicals such as alcohol or hydrocarbons (for example, gasoline or lighter fluid) cause only temporary stinging and irritation. However, acids and alkalis such as drain cleaner or toilet bowl cleanser splashed into the eye can severely damage the cornea. When any chemical is accidentally splashed into your child's eye, treat it as an emergency until your doctor or a Poison Control Center expert tells you otherwise. Immediate and thorough irrigation of the eye with tap water is essential to prevent damage to the cornea. Hold your child's face up under gently running tap water. Or have your child lie down while you continuously pour lukewarm water from a pitcher or glass into his eye. It is very important to try to hold your child's eyelids open during this process. For most chemicals, you should flush the eye for 5 minutes; for acids, 10 minutes; and for alkalis, 20 minutes. Then call your doctor.