What Is the Effect of Getting Limestone in the Eye?

Irritation

• Limestone fragments and dust can cause your eyes to itch and become irritated. Fine and large pieces of dust can stick to your eyeballs, eyelids and the mucus membrane surrounding your eyes. The irritation is due to the calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and other chemicals in the limestone.

Chemical Burns

• Limestone can also cause your eyes to become inflamed and burn. The burn is an alkaline chemical burn and requires immediate attention: Flush your eyes with water, use an eye cleaning solution and seek medical attention if the burn doesn't stop. Lift your eyelids and flush inside of each lid as well.

Conjunctivitis

• Failure to remove limestone dust and fragments from your eyes can lead to conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear mucus membrane that covers the white part of your eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Protection

• Wear safety glasses with side shields whenever handling rocks or any powdered form of limestone to keep it out of your eyes. Do not wear contact lenses when working with limestone.