The recommended initial treatment for a chemical splash in the eye is immediate and thorough irrigation (flushing) of the eye with clean, lukewarm water or normal saline. This should be done for at least 20 minutes to dilute and wash out the chemical. During irrigation, hold the eyelids open to ensure the water reaches all affected areas. Remove contact lenses if present before starting irrigation, but do not use any eye drops or ointments unless instructed by medical personnel. After flushing, seek emergency medical attention promptly, taking the chemical container or information about the chemical if possible.

Additional precautions include not rubbing the eye to avoid further damage and preventing the chemical from contaminating the other eye by positioning the head appropriately during irrigation. Early irrigation greatly improves outcomes, especially for alkali burns, which tend to be more serious than acid burns.