Eye flushing is an immediate first-aid procedure designed to minimize damage when a foreign object, irritant, or chemical enters the eye. Speed is the most important factor, as the ocular surface can sustain irreversible harm within seconds of exposure to corrosive substances. The primary goal is to dilute and wash away the offending material as rapidly and completely as possible to prevent corneal or conjunctival injury. Initiating the flushing process quickly can be the determining factor in preserving vision.
Safe Fluids for Eye Flushing
The optimal substance for eye flushing is a sterile saline solution or a commercial eyewash product, as these are isotonic and pH-balanced, closely matching the eye’s natural tears. This compatibility minimizes irritation and cellular damage during the rinsing process. Commercial eyewash is also guaranteed to be sterile, avoiding the introduction of microorganisms to an already traumatized eye.
In an emergency, when a sterile solution is not immediately available, clean, lukewarm tap water should be used without delay. The water should be between 60°F and 100°F (15°C and 38°C) to prevent thermal shock and discomfort. Contact lens wearers should avoid tap water due to the potential presence of Acanthamoeba amoebae. These microorganisms can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe infection, if trapped beneath a lens.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flushing Your Eye
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent transferring contaminants. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately if possible, as they can trap chemicals or debris against the eye’s surface. Removing lenses is secondary to starting the flush, so do not waste time searching for contact lens solution.
Position yourself over a sink, basin, or in a shower, tilting your head so the affected eye is lower than the unaffected one. This positioning ensures the irritant-laced runoff flows away from the center of the face, preventing contamination of the other eye. If both eyes are affected, use a shower or a large basin to rinse them simultaneously.
Gently hold the eyelids open to allow the flushing fluid to reach all parts of the eye and the undersides of the lids. Direct the stream of water or solution so that it flows across the eye from the inner corner, near the nose, toward the outer corner. This technique helps to sweep foreign particles out of the eye, rather than across its surface.
For a minor foreign object like dust or grit, continue flushing for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Chemical exposure requires significantly extended duration to ensure complete dilution and removal. While flushing, try to move the eye by looking up, down, and side to side to help dislodge any material trapped underneath the eyelids.
For moderate irritants, such as bleach or formaldehyde, flush continuously for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. Strong alkaline materials, like lye or oven cleaners, require flushing for up to 60 minutes or more because they penetrate and cause deeper tissue damage.
When Flushing is Not Enough
Even after a successful initial flush, seek immediate medical attention if you were exposed to any chemical, especially a corrosive one. Take the chemical’s container or name to the medical provider to inform treatment. Professional care is also required if the eye injury involves a penetrating object, such as glass or metal, which should never be removed by the victim or a bystander.
Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience persistent or severe pain, any noticeable change in vision, or double vision after flushing. Vision changes, including blurriness or light sensitivity, can indicate damage to the cornea or underlying structures. If the exposure involved a highly caustic chemical, continuous flushing should be maintained while en route to a hospital.