If you have ever gotten sunblock in your eyes, you are aware how much it can hurt. In fact, someone who has experienced a severe case may compare it to mace or pepper spray. It can be a while before the victim can open his eyes, especially outside in the bright sun.
There's no doubt getting sunblock in your eyes can ruin a day by the pool very quickly. Although the discomfort will likely remain for a while, relief will come more quickly with immediate care.
The most effective treatment is immediately flushing the eye out with running water for some time. This should get the sunscreen out of the eye yet it may not relieve the burning for a while. While it won't help to remove the sunscreen, applying cool, wet cloths to the eyes may have a soothing effect. Use of eye drops such as Visine may assist in flushing out the eye, but it is likely they will cause burning.
Even once the eyes are rinsed, vision will probably remain blurry for a while. If pain continues into the next day call your optometrist.
Preventative Tips
Never spray sunscreen directly on the face. Always apply first to the hands and rub into the face.
Never let little children apply sunblock alone.
Don't leave sunblock in reach of children.
Be sure to rub sunscreen in completely.
Be very careful not to apply sunblock too close to the eyes.
Use sunglasses to protect the eyes and the areas around them from ultraviolet rays.