What is a method to stop ones eyes from burning and tearing up when chopping onions?

Question

I've got glaucoma and my eyes already hurt. I usually use the dehydrated onions but the recipe I had called for fresh and I had no idea that I would feel this much pain. It's as if someone poured acid in each eye. Any suggestions on how to stop this from happening--besides resorting back to dehydrated onions.

Answer 1

I wear my largest sunglasses. My husband laughs, but it really works.

Answer 2

Maybe have someone else chop the onions for you and put them in a plastic bag so you can use them. Or chop the onion into four parts and put them in a electric chopper/blender. It works great and its not as boring or hurtful to the eyes. Good luck with your tasty recipe!

Answer 3

Put the onion in the freezer for ten minutes before slicing.
It works!

Answer 4

Hold the onion underwater while working with it. That will prevent the irritating chemical from escaping.

Perhaps different kinds of onions won't irritate your eyes so much. I'm so sorry this has happened for you.

Answer 5

Two suggestions: Refrigerate onions before cutting into them. Cut the top of the onion off first. (I don't know why cutting the top off first helps, but it does seem to.)

Answer 6

conventional wisdom:
keep them in the fridge
soak them in water first
put a piece of bread in your mouth while cutting them or chew gum

what I do:
cut off one end, and slice down into the onion, then turn and slice in the other direction, so it's pre-diced before you cut off slices. less slicing time that way, less juice released.

Answer 7

I prefer to buy frozen chopped onions. No crying, saves time and they're really inexpensive!! If you prefer to chop your own, the freezer method works very well.