If a victim is a contact lens wearer and requires washing after exposure to a hazardous substance, what should be done?

When a contact lens wearer is exposed to a hazardous substance, it is crucial to ensure that the eye is thoroughly cleansed after the lenses are removed. Continuing to wash the eye for a total of 15 minutes after removing the lenses is vital because some substances can adhere to the eye's surface or the contact lenses themselves. This prolonged washing helps to ensure that any remaining hazardous material is effectively washed away, which significantly reduces the risk of further injury or irritation to the eye.

The recommended duration of 15 minutes for washing aligns with safety protocols for rinsing the eyes in cases of exposure to harmful chemicals. It allows sufficient time for the flushing mechanism to work effectively, ensuring the chemical is removed from the eye as well as reducing the potential damage the substance may cause.

In contrast, washing for only one minute before removing the lenses does not provide enough time for thorough cleansing, and simply removing the lenses first without washing could lead to continued exposure of the eye to the hazardous substance, potentially worsening the situation. Therefore, the approach of washing the eye for an extended period after lens removal is the most protective strategy for managing such exposures.