Lemon juice is a popular ingredient. People use it in drinks, food, and even home remedies. But can lemon juice blind you? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. While lemon juice isn’t likely to cause permanent blindness, it can be dangerous to your eyes.
What Happens When Lemon Juice Gets in Your Eye?
Lemon juice is highly acidic. Its pH level is around 2.25, while the human eye has a pH of 7.4. When lemon juice comes into contact with your eye, it can cause:
- Stinging and burning: The acidity irritates the sensitive tissues of the eye.
- Acid burn: In severe cases, lemon juice can cause an acid burn on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
- Increased intraocular pressure: Acidic substances can raise the pressure inside the eye, which can damage the eye’s structures.
Is Lemon Juice Safe for Eyes?
No, you should never put lemon juice directly into your eyes. There are no benefits to using lemon juice as an eyewash. Despite containing vitamin C, which is good for eye health, applying lemon juice to the eyes can be dangerous.
What to Do If You Get Lemon Juice in Your Eye
If you accidentally get lemon juice in your eye, take these steps:
- Rinse immediately: Flush your eye with plenty of clean water for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, take them out before rinsing.
- Seek medical attention: If you experience severe pain, vision changes, or ongoing irritation, see a doctor or eye care professional.
Lemon Juice and Vision Loss: Other Risks
While direct contact with lemon juice can harm your eyes, there’s another way lemon juice can contribute to vision loss, although indirectly. Intravenous drug users who dissolve drugs in unrefrigerated lemon juice before injecting face the risk of developing Candida endophthalmitis, a rare fungal infection that can cause vision loss.
*Candida albicans* can thrive in old or short-steamed lemon juice. Injecting this contaminated juice can introduce the fungus into the bloodstream, leading to infection in the eyes.
Key Takeaways
- Lemon juice is acidic and can cause irritation, pain, and even acid burns if it comes into contact with your eyes.
- Never use lemon juice as an eyewash or apply it directly to your eyes.
- If you get lemon juice in your eye, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if needed.
- Intravenous drug users who dissolve drugs in unrefrigerated lemon juice risk developing a fungal eye infection that can lead to vision loss.
While lemon juice has its uses, it’s important to keep it away from your eyes. Protect your vision and seek medical help if you experience any eye problems.