Should a person wearing contact lenses remove the lenses before using an emergency eye wash?

The correct response is that a person should remove contact lenses before using an emergency eye wash. In the event of an eye contamination or chemical splash, it is crucial to ensure that the eye wash solution can fully wash out any harmful substances from the eyes without obstruction. Contact lenses can trap chemicals and debris against the surface of the eye, potentially causing further damage or irritation.

While some people may believe that rinsing over contact lenses will suffice, the reality is that the lenses could impede the effectiveness of the eyewash. It is also important to consider that not all eye washes are designed to be used with contact lenses in place, and failing to remove them could complicate the flushing process. Therefore, for safety and efficacy, the lenses should be removed prior to using an emergency eye wash.