A patient reports an alkali burn in the eye. What should the ophthalmic assistant instruct the patient to do?

Irrigating the eye with water for 20 minutes is the appropriate action to take in the event of an alkali burn. Alkali substances, such as bleach or oven cleaner, can cause significant damage to eye tissues due to their ability to penetrate the eye deeply and quickly. Rapid and thorough irrigation is essential to dilute the alkali and help prevent further injury.

Immediate flushing helps to remove the caustic material and can minimize the damage to the cornea and other ocular structures. Water is typically recommended for irrigation, but saline can also be used if available. It's critical that this flushing begins as soon as possible and continues for at least 20 minutes to ensure that the alkaline substance is adequately removed.

This immediate response significantly increases the chances of preserving vision and reducing complications related to the burn. Although cold compresses can provide comfort for some eye injuries, they do not address the chemical nature of alkali burns. Similarly, lubricating drops or waiting for symptoms to improve are ineffective strategies in this situation, as they do not remedy the underlying problem of the chemical exposure.