You should NOT squeeze your eyes shut when a chemical splashes into them. Instead, the correct response is to immediately flush your eyes with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 to 20 minutes while holding your eyelids open to ensure thorough rinsing. Here are the key safety steps if a chemical gets in your eyes:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before rinsing.
• Remove contact lenses if you are wearing them.
• Rinse your eye(s) with water continuously for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Hold your eyelids open during rinsing to flush out the chemical properly.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent further damage.
• Do not put any substance other than water or saline rinse into the eyes.
• Seek emergency medical attention immediately after rinsing.

Squeezing the eyes shut can prevent effective flushing and may cause the chemical to stay in contact with the sensitive eye tissues longer, increasing the risk of injury. The flushing action is crucial to wash out hazardous chemicals, such as acids and alkalis, which can cause serious burns and vision loss if not promptly and properly removed.