Florida Woman’s Frightening Eye Drop Mix-up: Mistakes Glue for Medication

The central Florida resident was prescribed the medication after a recent bacterial infection and noted that she was a first-time eye drop user.

She had diligently kept the small bottle of eye drops on her nightstand so she could apply it every few hours. But in her groggy state, she accidentally reached out for the wrong bottle.

“After I got the notification, I blindly reached over, grabbed the bottle, opened my eye with one hand and put the drops in,” she told People.

Half-asleep and unaware, the Florida woman grabbed what she thought was her medicated eye drops—only to realize too late it was nail glue

“As the drop was falling I realized the consistency of the plastic bottle felt wrong. As soon as it hit my eye, I started screaming,” she continued.

Panic quickly set in as Brianne realized it was nail glue—used for arts and crafts—that she had applied in her eyes.

Her screams jolted her 17-year-old son awake, who rushed in to help. Meanwhile, Brianne yelled, “Siri, call 911!” in desperation.

After realizing her mistake, the mother’s screams woke her 17-year-old son, who sprang into action to help

After a quick online search, her son instructed her to flush her eye with water, which provided some relief and helped open her “shut” eye.

“That first 10 minutes was just huge panic — I didn’t know what was going to happen,” she told the outlet.

“Flushing it with water did provide a little relief and did release the eye — it had initially been glued shut,” she added.

The car ride to the hospital was a blur of pain, as she said: “That drive to the hospital was the worst pain—it was just burning, on fire, it felt like rocks in my eye.”

Upon arrival, medical staff swiftly took her into an exam room, where doctors assessed the damage. They numbed her eye, examined it for tears and abrasions, and managed to remove the hardened glue shards.

“The acid in the nail glue had altered the pH level of my eye, so they had to get all that out,” the patient shared. “That flush took 30 to 45 minutes.”

Despite the initial embarrassment of her mishap, the woman’s experience served as a vital warning for others.

“I was so embarrassed when I got to the hospital but the doctor told me this happens a lot more than you think,” she said.

Brianne decided to share her story online so people understand the importance of keeping their medical supplies properly organized

She also said she was determined to raise awareness about such incidents. Hence, she took to TikTok to share her story, emphasizing the importance of keeping medical products organized and separate from everyday items.

“I knew I would be embarrassed and there would be stupid comments, but it was more about letting people know: keep this stuff separate,” she told the outlet. “I was a first time eye drop user so I didn’t think about it but now, I keep all my medications separate.”

The incident underscores the potential dangers of similar packaging between medications and other household items (like nail glue). It raises the need for more distinctive designs or labeling to prevent mix-ups.

• Storing medications near non-medical items increases the risk of confusion, especially in moments of fatigue or distraction. Proper separation and organization are crucial.

Many people are unaware of the risks associated with seemingly harmless household products. Increased public education on safe handling and storage of medications can help prevent accidents.

Nail glue and similar hazardous substances could benefit from additional safety features, such as childproof caps or unique bottle shapes to distinguish them from medications.

Immediate access to specialized emergency care is critical in cases involving eye injuries. Ophthalmologists are trained to assess and treat chemical exposures quickly, minimizing potential damage.

• Poison control centers provide vital information and guidance in situations involving accidental exposure to harmful substances. They can offer first-aid advice while awaiting professional medical care.

Such traumatic incidents can lead to anxiety or PTSD. Access to counseling services can help individuals cope with the emotional aftermath of a medical emergency.

• Community health programs that focus on medication safety can reduce the likelihood of similar incidents. These services teach safe storage, labeling, and handling practices.

After an injury, follow-up care with an ophthalmologist ensures no long-term damage, such as corneal abrasions or vision loss, has occurred.

Since sharing her story on TikTok, Shipley’s video has garnered millions of views, with many users expressing shock and sympathy. Some commenters shared their own close calls with similar household items, sparking a broader conversation about safety.

“I never thought this could happen to me,” Shipley reflected. “I hope my story makes others more cautious.”

Conclusion

While Shipley’s ordeal ended without permanent harm, it underscores the importance of vigilance in everyday routines. Her experience serves as a stark reminder: when it comes to health and safety, even small mistakes can have serious consequences.