Knock Knock Eye: What Should You Do If You’re Pepper Sprayed At A Protest?
Thu Feb 05 2026
This episode is a tough one. I start by talking about the killing of Alex Preti and Renee Good in Minneapolis and why it’s been sitting so heavily with me as a physician, a parent, and a human being trying to make sense of what’s happening in this country.
Then I focus on something concrete I can do: explain what pepper spray and tear gas actually do to your eyes and how to protect yourself if you’re exposed. From corneal abrasions to scarring and vision loss, I walk through what ophthalmologists see after chemical exposure and what actually helps in the moment.
It’s a heavy episode, but it’s also a practical one, focused on safety, science, and how we take care of each other when things feel out of control.
Takeaways:
What pepper spray actually does to the cornea and why most people recover, but some don’t.
Why oil-based chemicals change how you should wash your eyes after exposure.
The safest way to irrigate your eyes in the real world when saline and medical tools aren’t available.
Why putting milk, yogurt, or random substances in your eyes can make things worse, not better.
The emerging, conflicting data on GLP-1 medications, higher risk for ischemic optic neuropathy, but a lower risk of dry macular degeneration and why medicine lives in the gray.
To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live
We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com
Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken
Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/
If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken
If you want more information on models I use:
Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact. For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15
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A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.
Produced by Human Content
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This episode is a tough one. I start by talking about the killing of Alex Preti and Renee Good in Minneapolis and why it’s been sitting so heavily with me as a physician, a parent, and a human being trying to make sense of what’s happening in this country. Then I focus on something concrete I can do: explain what pepper spray and tear gas actually do to your eyes and how to protect yourself if you’re exposed. From corneal abrasions to scarring and vision loss, I walk through what ophthalmologists see after chemical exposure and what actually helps in the moment. It’s a heavy episode, but it’s also a practical one, focused on safety, science, and how we take care of each other when things feel out of control. Takeaways: What pepper spray actually does to the cornea and why most people recover, but some don’t. Why oil-based chemicals change how you should wash your eyes after exposure. The safest way to irrigate your eyes in the real world when saline and medical tools aren’t available. Why putting milk, yogurt, or random substances in your eyes can make things worse, not better. The emerging, conflicting data on GLP-1 medications, higher risk for ischemic optic neuropathy, but a lower risk of dry macular degeneration and why medicine lives in the gray. To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact. For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices