Expert: Thomas - 6/22/2004

Question
While working with super glue I splashed it on my plastic eyeglasses and also it got on my eyelashes.  Do you know what I can use to remove it.
Thank You

Answer
Dear Lynn,

Superglue is dissolved with ACETONE.  This is harmful to the skin and eyes unless washed off fairly quickly.  Never get any into your eyes or try to remove the glue with this solvent near your eyes!

Eyeglasses vary in the kinds of plastic used to make the lenses.  You will have to check with the company who made your glasses to see if acetone will damage the plastic lenses.  Acetone will damage many kinds of plastic, leving it smudged and corroded.  You might ruin your glasses using acetone on the lenses.  You could certainly ruin you eyes using acetone near them!!  This is the same material generally in "fingernail polish remover" and the polish remover will slowly remove acetone.

Frankly, the other method is peeling and scraping.  This might work with very gentle rubs on the eyelashes.  This will not work on eyeglasses, obviously.

Superglue cures when moisture is near it.  Skin and eyelashes contain moisture and that is why this cement bonds in an "instant" to skin and body parts.

You really need a maker of eyeglasses on that part!  The kind of plastic will make all the difference and I cannot begin to guess at that.  As for the eyelashes, try the gentle "scraping" with a safe tool, like the side of a lash tweezer, being very careful of your eyes.  Otherwise, it will eventually wear off with a few lost lashes.  The danger is getting the fumes of this glue in the eyes for the fumes will settle out and glue to the eyes which are moist and a perfectly dangerous place for superglue.

I do wish you the best with this problem.  I am glad you eyes were not damaged, very glad.

God Bless.          Thomas.