Eyes are very sensitive organs. An accident, injury or daily activity can lead to the presence of dirt or foreign matter in the eye. It is important to handle the cleansing of the eye carefully, taking care not to rub the eye. Taking a simple approach to washing the eye can prevent further injury and provide immediate relief of discomfort.
Washing Hands
It is vitally important for patients to wash their hands thoroughly before attempting to cleanse their eye. Attempting to perform an eye wash with dirty hands can exacerbate symptoms. Patients should use an antiseptic soap to remove all bacteria, dirt and oil from their hands, then rinse their hands with warm water and dry them with a clean, dry towel.
Inspection
It is important to inspect the eye to determine the cause of symptoms. It may be that something as simple as an eyelash is obstructing the eye. To inspect the eye, patients should position themselves in front a mirror. A vanity mirror is ideal because it is typically positioned over a sink. MayoClinic.com advises patients to gently pull the lower lid down while looking up, then gently raise the upper lid while looking down. Patients should be able to locate the object and determine whether the object is lodged in the eye or simply floating on the surface. Items floating on the surface can generally be removed with an eye wash.
Washing the Eye
Patients should have an additional clean, dry towel on hand to wipe the excess fluid from their face after the eye wash. Patients should bend over a sink or bowl and gently pull the lower lid down with one hand. Using the other hand, they should use saline solution or lukewarm water to flush the eye. Saline solution is typically sold in a bottle with an eye dropper. Patients should drop 2 to 3 drops of saline solution into the eye, blinking a few times to help dislodge any substance or item in the eye. If using water, patients can also bring their face over the sink or bowl and use their other hand to flush water into eye.
Seek Medical Attention
Should an object appear lodged in the eye, patients should seek immediate medical attention. To prevent causing long-term damage, patients should avoid trying to dislodge the object themselves. MayoClinic.com advises patients to visit their doctor if they experience abnormal vision, pain or redness.
