During flushing, which action helps move pepper particles from the eyes?

• A. Rolling the eyes in every direction
• B. Bending the head sideways
• C. Tightly closing the eyes for several seconds
• D. Rubbing the eyelids

Answer: (A)

Moving the eyes in every direction helps dislodge pepper particles from the surface of the eye and bring them into contact with the rinsing solution. This dynamic movement distributes tears and cleanup fluid, aiding removal of irritants from under the lids and around the cornea, which reduces burning and helps restore comfort more quickly. Bending the head sideways might drain fluids away from the eye but doesn’t actively remove particles from the ocular surface. Tightly closing the eyes traps irritants inside and prevents flushing from doing its job. Rubbing the eyelids spreads particles and can cause additional irritation or scratch the cornea. In practice, once exposed, flush with clean water, keep the eyes open, and gently move them to help washing out the pepper particles.