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The eye wash procedure is not only crucial for high-risk environments such as chemical laboratories. Families who frequently use cleaning products or have young children should also learn proper eye wash techniques to eliminate harmful substances. Even in non-emergency situations, rinsing your eyes with water can soothe tired eyes by increasing moisture and improving circulation. Additionally, medical experts recommend eye washing in various other scenarios. Learn how to use an eye wash solution to prepare for potential future incidents.
Steps
Preparing for the Eye Wash
Determine if you need emergency medical care. Certain chemicals can cause burns or other injuries, so check the chemical label for eye wash instructions. Contact the hospital emergency room for guidance if a chemical splashes into your eyes.
- Seek emergency medical care if symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, double vision, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, rash, or fever occur.
- If eye washing proves ineffective, visit the hospital immediately for treatment. Ask someone to drive you if you cannot go alone.
Determine the required duration for eye washing. The rinsing time depends on the type of substance in contact with the eyes, meaning it can vary widely. However, you should never rinse for too long after exposure to harmful substances. Carefully decide the rinsing duration based on the following guidelines:
- 5 minutes for mild irritants like hand soap or shampoo
- 20 minutes or more for moderate to strong irritants, such as chili peppers
- 20 minutes for mild corrosive substances, like certain acids, e.g., battery acid
- At least 60 minutes for strong corrosive agents, including household alkalis like drain cleaners, bleach, and ammonia solutions
Keep an eye wash solution at home. Commercial eye wash solutions are sterilized and have a balanced pH of 7, making them a better choice than plain water for eye rinsing.
Use sterile water. If a commercial eye wash solution is unavailable, sterile water can be used as an alternative. Tap water contains impurities that may further irritate the eyes.
- Bottled water is also a suitable option.
- Milk can soothe burning sensations caused by food items like chili peppers. However, always follow up with a sterile eye wash solution. If using milk, ensure it is not spoiled, as bacteria could enter the eyes.
Ensure the solution is at the right temperature. Pay special attention when using bottled water or milk, ensuring they are not too cold when taken out of the refrigerator. Regardless of the rinsing agent, the temperature should be between 15.6–37.8°C.
Choose a method for applying the eye wash solution. You must know how to safely and hygienically introduce water or the rinsing solution into your eyes. Common household items like bowls, small cups, or eye droppers can be used. Ensure the chosen tool is thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and dried before use.
- A bowl is ideal for rinsing out harmful substances, foreign particles, or simply relieving eye strain. It should be large enough to submerge your entire face.
- If using a small cup, ensure it fits snugly around the eye socket, like a shot glass. However, small cups are only suitable for rinsing irritants or relieving strain, not for removing foreign objects.
- Avoid using eye droppers in most cases, as they are only effective for treating dry or tired eyes.
Do not delay rinsing off chemicals. As discussed, time is often critical, especially when dealing with acids or alkalis in the eyes. The priority is to rinse off the chemical as quickly as possible, even more so than finding a sterile solution or ensuring the right temperature. If your eyes are exposed to corrosive substances, act immediately without hesitation.
- The longer the corrosive substance or acid remains in contact with your eyes, the greater the damage. Therefore, speed is essential.
Using a Bowl for Eye Rinsing
Find a suitable bowl. Using a bowl to rinse your eyes is the primary method for removing harmful substances or small foreign particles. It is also ideal for daily eye strain relief. Ensure the bowl is clean and large enough to submerge your entire face comfortably.
Pour the rinsing solution into the bowl. Whether using a commercial eye wash or filtered water, the temperature should be between 15.6–37.8°C. Avoid filling the bowl to the brim, as the solution may spill when you submerge your face.
Submerge your face in the bowl. Take a deep breath and dip your entire face into the bowl, ensuring the solution covers your eyes. Be careful not to submerge too deeply, as this could cause the solution to enter your nose.
Open and rotate your eyes. Ensure the entire surface of your eyes is exposed to the water. Moving your eyes in circular motions helps the water flow more effectively, removing harmful substances or debris.
Lift your head and blink. Blinking several times allows the water to spread evenly across the entire surface of your eyes.
Repeat if necessary. For dry or tired eyes, submerging your face 1-2 times may suffice until the discomfort eases. To thoroughly rinse harmful substances, follow the recommended rinsing durations outlined in Method 1.
- Remember not to rinse for too long. If exposed to irritants, especially chemicals, you may need to rinse longer than the standard recommendation.
Dry your face with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your eyes directly; instead, gently pat your closed eyelids with a dry towel.
Using a Cup for Eye Rinsing
Avoid this method if a foreign object is in your eye. This technique is best suited for relieving eye strain. For harmful substances, using a bowl is the ideal approach. Consult an eye doctor before applying this method for purposes other than soothing tired eyes.
Pour the rinsing solution into a small, clean cup, preferably one with a diameter matching your eye socket. A thoroughly cleaned shot glass is a good example.
- The eye wash solution or sterile water should be at a temperature between 15.6–37.8°C.
Position the cup over your eye. Tilt your head forward so the rim of the cup fits snugly around your eye socket.
Tilt your head back. While keeping the cup pressed against your eye socket, tilt your head backward so the solution makes direct contact with your eye.
- Some spillage is inevitable. Lean over a sink to prevent the solution from dripping onto your face or clothes. If concerned, wrap a towel around your neck to stay dry.
Look around and blink. Moving your eyes in circular motions and blinking several times helps the solution spread evenly across the eye surface, providing moisture and removing irritants.
Repeat if necessary. Afterward, lower your head to remove the cup without spilling the solution on yourself. A single rinse is often enough for dry or tired eyes, but for harmful substances, a second rinse may be required.
Dry your face with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your eyes directly; instead, gently pat your closed eyelids with a dry towel.
Using an Eyedropper for Rinsing
Avoid this method if a foreign object is in your eye. It is best suited for relieving eye strain or rinsing children's eyes when other methods are impractical. For harmful substances, a bowl remains the ideal choice.
Draw the rinsing solution into the eyedropper. Dip the tip of the dropper into the solution or water, then squeeze and release the bulb to draw the liquid in.
- You can also use a sterile plastic syringe without a sharp tip or needle attachment.
Apply a few drops of the solution into your eye. Tilt your head back, position the dropper above your open eye, and gently squeeze the bulb to release a few drops.
- Avoid letting the dropper tip touch your eye or eyelashes.
Blink several times. To ensure the solution spreads evenly across your eye, blink multiple times. Try to blink in a way that allows the solution to flow into your eye rather than pooling and dripping down your cheek.
Repeat if necessary. A few drops are usually enough to relieve dry or tired eyes, but for thorough rinsing of harmful substances, you may need to repeat the process multiple times.
Use a cloth for children. For young children, an alternative method is to dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently dab it on their closed eyelids. A light touch is enough to let the solution flow onto the eyelids and lashes, and blinking will naturally spread it.
- Repeat as needed, but avoid reusing the same part of the cloth to maintain hygiene. Instead, use a dry section or a fresh cloth.
Preparing a Homemade Eye Wash Solution
Boil the water. Note that commercial eye wash solutions are always preferable to homemade ones. No matter how careful you are, there is a risk of accidentally irritating your eyes or introducing severe infections. Cases of homemade saline solutions leading to amoebic infections have been reported, making this a risky choice. However, if you understand the risks and still wish to prepare a homemade eye wash, there are steps to ensure the solution is as clean and safe as possible. Start by boiling a pot of water to kill bacteria and microorganisms, maintaining a full boil for at least one minute before letting it cool.
- Using sterile distilled water is better than regular tap water, as tap water contains more bacteria and additives.
- If you prefer not to make a homemade solution, tap water can be used, but be aware it may cause more irritation and carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination.
Add salt to the water. Mix one teaspoon of table salt per cup of water while the water is boiling. The closer the salinity of the solution is to that of tears, the less shock your eyes will experience. The salinity of tears varies depending on whether they are emotional tears (from pain, sadness, etc.) or simply lubricating tears, but it is generally less than 1% salt by weight.
Stir until the salt dissolves. Ensure all the salt is fully dissolved in the water. Since the water is boiling and the amount of salt is minimal, this should not take long. Stir until no salt particles remain at the bottom of the pot.
Let the solution cool. Never use a hot eye wash solution, as it can cause severe eye damage or even blindness. Turn off the heat and let the water cool to room temperature, then transfer the saline solution to a clean container washed with soap and sterile water. The solution is ready to use once it reaches room temperature or below.
- Seal the container while cooling to prevent new bacteria from entering.
- A slightly cool solution may feel more soothing, but avoid chilling it below 15.6°C, as colder temperatures can cause discomfort or mild damage.
- Regardless of storage precautions, discard the solution after 1-2 days, as bacteria can recontaminate it after boiling.
Emergency Eye Rinsing
Recognize accidents that require immediate eye rinsing. In cases where the eyes are exposed to severe irritants or harmful substances, sterile solutions are not the priority. Instead, focus on thorough and rapid rinsing, followed by seeking medical assistance. If chemicals like acids, alkalis, or corrosives splash into your eyes, immediately stop what you're doing and flush your eyes with water.
If you're in the U.S., call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 for guidance. They will advise on eye rinsing or prompt medical care based on the chemical involved.
- For instance, some chemicals, like most alkali metals, react violently with water. They can guide you on the correct steps.
- If they instruct you to call 911 and rinse your eyes while waiting, have someone else call emergency services while you focus on rinsing. The sooner you reach the hospital, the better the chances of preventing severe damage or blindness.
Use an eye wash station. Most areas with a risk of chemical exposure are equipped with eye wash stations designed for such emergencies. Quickly locate the station, press the lever (clearly marked and easily accessible), and position your face in front of the nozzles. Low-pressure water will flow. Keep your eyes as wide open as possible, using your fingers to hold them open if necessary.
Rinse for 15 minutes. Water may not neutralize chemicals, but it can dilute and flush them out. Ensure a minimum flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute for at least 15 minutes.
Use tap water if an eye wash station is unavailable. If you can't find an eye wash station immediately, head to the nearest sink. While tap water isn't ideal due to its lack of sterility, flushing out the chemical is far more critical than infection concerns. Rinse with as much water as possible for at least 15-20 minutes.
- If the sink has an adjustable faucet, direct a gentle, lukewarm stream of water into your eye while using your fingers to keep your eye open.
Seek medical care. If the Poison Control Center advises you to see a doctor after rinsing your eyes, head to the hospital immediately for further treatment.
Tips
- Use separate rinsing solutions for each eye to avoid cross-contamination of bacteria.
- Some pharmacies sell eye wash kits that include a small cup sized for the eye and a sterile rinsing solution.
Warnings
- Avoid using too much salt. Overly salty solutions can rupture cells, causing discomfort or pain.
- Do not use water that is too hot or too cold.
- Always follow safety protocols when handling chemicals, including wearing eye protection. While safety measures cannot guarantee 100% injury prevention, they significantly reduce risks.
What You'll Need
- Large bowl
- Eye-sized cup
- Eyedropper
- Eye wash solution
- Lukewarm water
- Towel or tissue
