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Irrigation of The Eye

Irrigation of the eye is used to remove chemicals, foreign bodies, secretions, treat infections or provide moisture. Equipment includes an eyedropper, bulb syringe or bottle depending on the extent of irrigation needed. The patient sits back or lies down, tilts their head and washes their eyelashes before everting their lower lid. The irrigating solution flows from the inner to outer canthus along the conjunctival sac using minimal force. The pH is retested after irrigation and repeated if not 7. The eye is dried and the results are recorded.

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868 views2 pages

Irrigation of The Eye

Irrigation of the eye is used to remove chemicals, foreign bodies, secretions, treat infections or provide moisture. Equipment includes an eyedropper, bulb syringe or bottle depending on the extent of irrigation needed. The patient sits back or lies down, tilts their head and washes their eyelashes before everting their lower lid. The irrigating solution flows from the inner to outer canthus along the conjunctival sac using minimal force. The pH is retested after irrigation and repeated if not 7. The eye is dried and the results are recorded.

Uploaded by

issaiahnicolle
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Irrigation of the Eye

See Procedure Guidelines 16-2, page 580.

Ocular irrigation is often necessary for the following:

1. To irrigate chemicals or foreign bodies from the eyes.

2. To remove secretions from the conjunctival sac.

3. To treat infections

4. To relieve itching.

5. To provide moisture on the surface of the eyes of an unconscious patient.

EQUIPMENT

An eyedropper, aseptic bulb syringe, or plastic bottle with prescribed solution depending on the extent
of irrigation needed (usually more than 1,000 mL for each eye)

For copious use (ie, chemical burns), sterile normal saline or prescribed solution and IV setup with
attached tubing

Irrigating lens for chemical injury (contraindicated for particulate matter)

Litmus paper

Basin, towels

PREPARATORY PHASE RATIONALE


Verify the eye to be irrigated and the solution 1. Prevents error.
and amount of irrigant. Work as quickly as
possible and have equipment ready ahead of
time if chemical injury is suspected.
The patient may sit with head tilted back or lie in 2. Facilitates flow of solution over the eye
a supine position
Instruct the patient to tilt head toward the side of 3. Prevents fluid from draining into unaffected
the affected eye. eye.
PERFORMANCE PHASE RATIONALE
Test pH using plain litmus paper in cul-de-sac of 1. Serves as a baseline. Alkaline (pH > 7) is more
affected eye. damaging than acidic (pH < 7)
Wash eyelashes and lids with prescribed solution 2. Any materials on the lids and lashes should be
at room temperature; a curved basin should be washed off before exposing conjunctiva
placed on the affected side of the face to catch
the outflow.
Evert the lower conjunctival sac. (If feasible, have 3. Exposes inner surfaces of lower lid and
the patient pull down lower lid with index finger.) conjunctival sac (involves the patient and gives a
sense of control).
Instruct the patient to look up; avoid touching 4. Prevents injury to the sensitive cornea.
eye with equipment.
Allow irrigating fluid to flow from the inner 5. Prevents solution from flowing toward the
canthus to the outer canthus along the unaffected eye.
conjunctival sac
Use only enough force to flush secretions from 6. Prevents eye injury (involves the patient in the
conjunctiva. (Allow patient to hold receptacle treatment)
near the eye to catch fluid.)
Occasionally, have patient close eyes 7. Allows upper lid to meet lower lid with the
possibility of dislodging additional particles
Wait 1 minute after irrigation and retest pH. . 8. If pH is not 7, repeat irrigation.
FOLLOW UP PHASE RATIONALE
Pat eye dry and dry the patient’s face with a soft 1. Provides comfort
cloth.
Record kind and amount of fluid used as well as 2. Provides documentation of nursing actions
its effectiveness.

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