Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

Eye wash procedures are not only necessary in high-risk locations such as chemical laboratories. Families who use cleaning products regularly or have young children also need to learn eye wash techniques to remove harmful substances. Even in non-emergency situations, rinsing the eyes with water can soothe tired eyes by increasing moisture and circulation. In addition, medical experts also recommend that eyes should be washed in other cases. Learn how to use an eye wash solution for future use.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Prepare before washing

1. 

   Determine if you need urgent medical attention. Some chemicals can cause burns or other damage, so check the label on the chemical packaging for how to wash your eyes. Contact the hospital emergency department to learn how to treat any chemicals in your eyes.
   • Get emergency medical attention for symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, headache or delirium, double vision or impaired vision, dizziness or unconsciousness, rash or fever.
   • If you experience that the eye wash does not work, you should immediately go to the hospital for treatment. Get a ride to the hospital if you cannot go yourself.

2. 

   
   
   Determine how long to wash your eyes. The wash time depends on the type of substance that gets into the eyes, meaning the range changes are very wide, but you never rinsed too long when eyes have come into contact with harmful substances. Be careful when deciding on the time to wash the eyes, you should wash:
   • 5 minutes for slightly irritating chemicals such as hand soap or shampoo
   • 20 minutes or more for moderate to strong irritants, such as hot peppers
   • 20 minutes for mild corrosive substances such as some acids, eg battery acid
   • 60 minutes minimum for corrosive substances, including household alkalis such as drain blockers, bleach and ammonia solution

3. 

   
   
   Keep an eye wash solution at home. The commercial eye wash solution is sterile and has a pH equilibrium of 7. This means that eye wash solution is always better than normal water.

4. 

   Use sterile water. If commercial eye wash is not available, you can use sterile water. Tap water still contains harmful ingredients that make the eyes even more irritated.
   • You can also use bottled water.
   • Milk has the ability to soothe the heat caused by food, such as chili. However, you should still use a sterile eye wash solution afterwards. If using milk, make sure it is not spoiled; otherwise, bacteria will get into the eyes.

5. 

   
   
   Make sure the solution is at the right temperature. Take special care when using bottled water or milk, remember not to use it immediately after taking them out of the refrigerator. Regardless of the type of cleaning agent you choose, the eye wash solution should be between 15.6–37.8 ° C.

6. 

   Choose an eye wash method. You must know how to safely and hygienically get water or cleaning solution into the eyes. There are a number of items in your home that you can use, such as a bowl, a cup or an eye dropper. Regardless of the medium you use, you must wash it thoroughly with soap and water, and allow to dry before pouring any sterile water or solution.
   • The bowl is the best choice whether you want to wash off harmful substances, foreign objects or simply wash away eye strain. The bowl should be large enough that you can immerse your full face in it.
   • If you're using a small cup, it should fit on the edge of the eye socket, like a wine glass. However, the small cup is only used to wash harmful substances or prevent eye fatigue, cannot wash foreign objects.
   • Avoid using an eye dropper in most cases, as it will only treat dry and tired eyes.

7. 

   Do not delay rinsing off chemicals. As discussed, time can sometimes be of the essence, especially when the eyes are acidic or alkaline. How to rinse the chemical as quickly as possible is more important than finding a sterile solution, making sure the temperature is right, and so on. If the eye has come into contact with corrosive substances, simply run away. wash without hesitation.
   • The damage is greater the longer you keep the eye in contact with corrosive substances / acids, so the goal is to rinse it off quickly.
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Method 2 of 6: Wash the eyes in a bowl

1. 

   Find a bowl. Bringing the eye wash solution into the eye with a bowl is the main method used when the eye comes in contact with a harmful substance or a small foreign object has fallen, and is also the ideal way to wash the tired eye every day. The bowl should be completely clean and large enough for you to immerse your entire face in it.

2. 

   Pour the cleaning solution into the bowl. Regardless of commercial wash solution or filtered water, suitable temperatures are between 15.6–37.8 ° C. Do not fill the bowl with the liquid close to the top of the bowl, as it will come out when you dip your face in.

3. 

   Dip your face in a bowl. Take a deep breath and immerse your entire face in a bowl to cover your eyes, but do not soak too deeply; otherwise, the solution will run into your nose.

4. 

   Open and roll your eyes. You need to let the entire eye surface come into contact with the water. A circular motion of your eyes makes it easier for water to get into your eyes and wash away harmful substances or dirt.

5. 

   Raised his head and blinked. Blinking a few times helps the water evenly cover the entire eye surface.

6. 

   Repeat as needed. To treat dry and tired eyes, simply immerse your face in water 1-2 times until the tired eyes are gone. To really wash your eyes off the harmful substance, you must follow the instructions in Method 1 for how long it takes to wash.
   • Again, don't wash your eyes for too long. If the eyes come into contact with irritants, especially chemicals, you can wash them for longer than recommended.

7. 

   Dry your face with a clean towel. Do not wipe directly into eyes, but pat the eyelids dry only while closed with a dry towel. advertisement

Method 3 of 6: Wash the eyes in the cup

1. 

   Do not use this method if an object has caught the eye. This method is best suited for washing tired eyes only. If there is a harmful substance in the eye, washing with a bowl is the ideal method. Consult an ophthalmologist before applying this method to other than washing tired eyes.

2. 

   Pour the cleaning solution into a clean, small beaker, preferably a diameter equal to the eye socket. A good example is a well washed glass of wine.
   • Commercial eye wash or sterile water should be between 15.6 and 37.8 ° C.

3. 

   Place the cup in the eye. Tilt your head toward the cup so that the edge of the cup fits into the eye socket.

4. 

   Tilt your head back. While holding the cup pressed against the socket, tilt your head back so that the eyes and the bottom of the cup are both facing up, so the solution will make direct contact with the eyes.
   • Surely the solution will spill out a little. You should lean over the sink while washing your eyes so that the solution doesn't drip down your face and get on your clothes. If you are concerned, you can wrap a towel around your neck to keep yourself dry.

5. 

   Look around and blink. When you roll your eyes in a circle and blink several times, the cleaning solution will coat more evenly over the entire eye surface, helping to moisturize and remove harmful substances.

6. 

   Repeat as needed. Then lower your head to remove the cup without spilling the solution on your body. Just rinsing once is enough to treat dry and tired eyes, but if you want to wash off the harmful substance, do it again.

7. 

   Dry your face with a clean towel. Do not wipe directly into the eyes, but pat the eyelids dry only while closed with a dry towel. advertisement

Method 4 of 6: Wash with an eye dropper

1. 

   Do not use this method if an object has caught the eye. Best to only apply to wash tired eyes or wash eyes for young children when they do not know how to wash with other methods. If there is a harmful substance in the eye, washing with a bowl is the ideal method.

2. 

   Aspirate the cleaning solution into the eye dropper. Dip the tip of the tube in the solution or wash, then squeeze and release the tube body to draw water in.
   • You can use sterile plastic syringes, which do not have a sharp tip or have a needle attached.

3. 

   Put a few drops of the solution into the eye. Tilt your head back, lift the dropper above the open eye, and gently squeeze the tube to release a few drops.
   • Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eyes or eyelashes.

4. 

   Blink several times. To get the solution evenly over your eyes, you will need to blink several times. Try to blink so that the solution gets into your eyes instead of pooling and then down your cheeks.

5. 

   Repeat as needed. Just a few drops are enough to treat dry and tired eyes, but if you want to really wash off the harmful substances, you will have to repeat many times.

6. 

   Use a towel. For young children, an alternative method is to soak a clean towel in the solution and gently dab it on the baby's closed eyelid. You just need to dab with light force is enough for the solution to run out on the eyelids and lashes, then when the baby blinks, the solution will spill over.
   • Repeat as needed, but do not soak the same location of the towel in the solution for hygiene, use another piece of dry towel or use a new one instead.
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Method 5 of 6: Make your own eye wash solution

1. 

   Boil water. Note, commercial eye wash is always better than homemade. No matter how careful you are, there is a risk of unintentionally irritating your eyes or the potential for a serious infection. There have been cases of home-made saline and amoebic infections, so this is a risky option. However, if you understand the risks and still want to make an eye wash at home, there are steps you can take to make sure the solution is as clean and safe as possible. First, you boil a kettle of water to kill bacteria and microorganisms, keep the water fully boiling for at least a minute and then let it cool before using.
   • It is better to use sterile purified water instead of plain tap water. Tap water contains more bacteria and additives than sterile water.
   • If you don't want to make an eye wash, you can always use tap water. However, please understand that tap water can be more irritating and potentially contain more bacteria, etc.

2. 

   Add salt to the water. Add 1 teaspoon of table salt to each cup of water while the water is boiling. The closer the solution salinity is to the salinity of the tears, the less shocked the eye is when it comes into contact with the solution. The salinity of the tears changes depending on whether it's emotional tears (pain, sadness, etc.) or simply the lubricant during the operation, but generally this salinity is usually less than 1%. salt mass.

3. 

   Stir in dissolved salt. Make sure that the added salt is completely dissolved in the water. Since the water is boiling and the salt content is quite low, it shouldn't take long to stir the salt completely.Stir until you no longer see the salt on the warm bottom.

4. 

   Let the solution cool. Never use hot eye wash solution, or you could cause serious eye damage or even blindness. Turn off the heat and let the water cool to room temperature, then pour the brine into another thoroughly washed container with soap and sterile water. When the solution is at room temperature (or below) you can use it.
   • Keep the lid tightly closed while waiting to cool down so that new bacteria cannot enter.
   • Your eyes will be more comfortable using a solution that is kept cool, but do not refrigerate the brine below 15.6 ° C. Water colder than this temperature can cause eye pain and even mild damage.
   • No matter how well you store the brine, discard it after 1-2 days. New bacteria can enter the solution after the water stops boiling.
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Method 6 of 6: Wash eyes in emergency

1. 

   Be aware of accidents that require immediate eye wash. In some cases when the eyes come into contact with irritants or seriously harmful substances, you don't need to worry about sterile cleaning solutions. Instead, you have to focus on washing it thoroughly and quickly and then going to hospital for help. If you accidentally get chemicals in your eyes, such as acids, alkalis, or corrosive substances, please right away Stop working and wash your eyes with water.

2. 

   If you live in the United States, call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 for advice. They will instruct you to wash your eyes or seek prompt medical attention based on the chemical in your eyes.
   • For example, some chemicals react violently with water, like most alkali metals. They easily find the right steps to guide you.
   • If they instruct you to call 911 and ask to wash your eyes while you wait, you can have someone else call an ambulance while you focus on washing your eyes. The faster you get to the hospital, the more likely it is to prevent serious injury or blindness.

3. 

   Use an eye wash. Most areas where the risk of chemical splashing in the eye is anticipated are equipped with an eye wash basin, which is specifically designed for this situation. Quickly reach the sink and press the lever (highlighted and easily accessible), put your face in front of the faucet and the water will spray out with low pressure. Open eyes as big as possible. You should use your fingers to line the eyes wide open.

4. 

   Wash eyes for 15 minutes. Water can hardly neutralize any chemicals, but it can dilute and wash off chemicals, so you must wash your eyes with plenty of water. The minimum amount of water to be sprayed into the eyes is 1.5 liters / minute for 15 minutes.

5. 

   Rinse with tap water if an eye sink is not available. If you can't find the eyewash right away, run quickly to the nearest sink. Tap water is not really good for eye wash because it is not as sterile as pure water in a lab, but chemical cleaning is much more important than worrying about infection. Flushing as much as possible, the flushing time should be at least 15-20 minutes.
   • If the sink has an adjustable spout, direct the hose directly into your eyes and turn the water on with mild, warm pressure, while opening your eyes with your fingers.

6. 

   Seek medical attention. If the Poison Control Center directs you to see a doctor after you have finished washing your eyes, you must go to hospital for immediate care. advertisement

Advice

• Change the cleaning solution for each eye so as not to pass bacteria back and forth.
• Some pharmacies sell eye wash kits that include a small eye-size cup and a sterile cleaning solution.

Warning

• Don't use too much salt. A solution that is too salty can rupture some cells, making you uncomfortable or painful.
• Do not use water that is too hot or too cold.
• Follow all safety procedures when working with chemicals, including wearing eye protection. Safety measures cannot guarantee 100% injury avoidance, but the risk is greatly reduced.

What you need

• Large bowl
• Cup size eye socket
• Eye dropper
• Eye wash solution
• The water is slightly warm
• Towels or paper towels