Superglue (cyanoacrylate) and nail glue can stick the eyelids together or leave a hard lump of glue on the eye. It is frightening, especially for a child, but it rarely causes lasting harm. The glue loosens by itself within a few days as natural oils and tears break it down.
The doctor gently separates the lids if possible, removes loose pieces of hardened glue, and checks the cornea with dye. Antibiotic ointment helps loosen remaining glue and prevents infection. If the lids cannot be separated safely, the glue is left to loosen over one to four days, sometimes with trimming of the lashes.
Keep superglue, nail glue and other adhesives locked away. Some glue tubes look like eye drop bottles: store them separately from medicines, and never keep glue near the bedside.
Usually not. It mostly sticks to the lids and lashes. A lump of hardened glue can scratch the cornea, which heals with treatment.
The glue usually loosens within one to four days with warm compresses and ointment.
Rinse well with water and see an eye doctor the same day. Store glue away from medicines in future.
If the child is comfortable and the eye was rinsed, it can usually wait until the next morning; go at once if there is severe pain or the eye looks injured.
Related: Eye Injury & Emergency Treatment Ahmedabad, Paediatric Eye Checkup Ahmedabad, Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye).
This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.
Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (AIIMS New Delhi). Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious eye injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.
Where healthy eyes and confident smiles come together.
Eye care by an AIIMS-trained ophthalmologist; dental care by an MDS endodontist — both dedicated specialists in their respective fields.
Dr. Dhaval Patel brings 15+ years of clinical experience since starting his ophthalmology residency at AIIMS, New Delhi in 2011.
Our staff communicates comfortably in both Gujarati and English, so every step of your visit — from reception to aftercare instructions — is easy to follow.
Dr Dhaval Patel has conducted many eye camps in Africa and visits yearly for the same.