eye cleansing made easy
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Taking care of the gift of sight is just as important as taking care of the things we normally see and feel. We don't want to lose this gift anyway, so might as well take care of the only pair of eyes we can have.
Irrigation of the eye requires washing out its body cavity using a stream of water or any other fluid. Oftentimes, this helps in removing the chemicals or foreign bodies, which hinder the sight in the eyes. It can also be used in removing secretions in the conjunctival sac and may help relieve itching in the eyes.
Ideally, this procedure is indicated for chemical eye injury and presence of secretions or foreign bodies in the eyes. However, irrigation must not be done on someone with corneal damage or a ruptured globe as fluid may enter the interior chamber of the eye and damage important structures.
Upon performing the procedure, it is a nurse's responsibility to verify the order if in a health care setting, since this is a dependent nursing action that requires order from the attending physician. If at home, whoever is going to administer has to make sure the recipient is ready and he or she has properly assessed the eyes. Make sure the patient is not allergic to the drug component of the liquid used for irrigation. Though sterile technique is often observed in most facilities, medical asepsis can be done and practiced very carefully, because basically, you don't want the eyes to get contaminated again if not done well. Always start with the most effective and basic way of reducing the risk of cross-contamination: proper medical hand washing. If both eyes are to be irrigated, two separate sets of equipment should be used, if possible. Solutions used on one eye must not be in contact with the other eye, even if the same solution is applied for both to maintain asepsis. Never direct the fluid to the nose as it could flow straight in without notice. Irrigation must continue for about 15 minutes or until return flow becomes clear of discharges.
Materials to be used
Irrigation Time
Always have the patient placed in an upright or a Fowler's position to provide an easy access for the nurse or whoever is going to irrigate the eye. Place a towel under the chin of the patient in case fluid flows there as it helps promote comfort. After gloving, clean the eyelid margins using a dry cotton ball moistened in the solution from inner canthus to the outer canthus and the eyelashes from inner to outer. This prepares the eyes for irrigation. After that, place a kidney basin below the patient's cheek on the affected eye's side so it will be used to receive the fluids and secretions from irrigation.
With a cotton ball in place, slowly retract the upper and lower eyelids to expose the conjunctival sac. Make sure to apply the pressure on the the bony prominence and not over the eye as it could be discomforting for the patient. With your free or dominant hand, aspirate fluid with a sterile syringe or dropper. Instruct the patient to look up; then slowly irrigate with a consistent stream toward the lower conjunctival sac to the outer canthus. Never irrigate straight to the eye as it can lead to discomfort to the patient.
Continue the irrigation process until the entire solution is consumed or secretions have been removed. If the latter, continue until return flow becomes clear. After the procedure, dry the eyelids and the facial area with the cotton ball you used in your non-dominant hand. Carefully place the patient in a position he or she finds it comfortable. Here is where you c an give health teachings on taking care of the eye. Clean up the area after the procedure.
Never Lose Sight!
Concerned of any eye injury, disorder or infection? Make sure to have a consultation with a physician before it's too late. Your sense of sight is so valuable, so might as well take care of it. When needed because of an accident or any eye disorder, irrigation may be done.
Take care of your Eyes!
There are many ways of protecting your eyes from anything that can get in and infect them. We can even protect them from any foreign body from sticking in or from continuous exposure to radiation from computers and television.
Photo credit: <http://www.ofallonfec.com/wp/> Family Eye Care of O'Fallon
Irrigation of the eye requires washing out its body cavity using a stream of water or any other fluid. Oftentimes, this helps in removing the chemicals or foreign bodies, which hinder the sight in the eyes. It can also be used in removing secretions in the conjunctival sac and may help relieve itching in the eyes.
Ideally, this procedure is indicated for chemical eye injury and presence of secretions or foreign bodies in the eyes. However, irrigation must not be done on someone with corneal damage or a ruptured globe as fluid may enter the interior chamber of the eye and damage important structures.
Upon performing the procedure, it is a nurse's responsibility to verify the order if in a health care setting, since this is a dependent nursing action that requires order from the attending physician. If at home, whoever is going to administer has to make sure the recipient is ready and he or she has properly assessed the eyes. Make sure the patient is not allergic to the drug component of the liquid used for irrigation. Though sterile technique is often observed in most facilities, medical asepsis can be done and practiced very carefully, because basically, you don't want the eyes to get contaminated again if not done well. Always start with the most effective and basic way of reducing the risk of cross-contamination: proper medical hand washing. If both eyes are to be irrigated, two separate sets of equipment should be used, if possible. Solutions used on one eye must not be in contact with the other eye, even if the same solution is applied for both to maintain asepsis. Never direct the fluid to the nose as it could flow straight in without notice. Irrigation must continue for about 15 minutes or until return flow becomes clear of discharges.
Materials to be used
- an irrigating solution - make sure to have the one prescribed (usually, Normal Saline Solution is used, but this depends on the patient's condition)
- two kidney basins, one sterile (as much as possible), and one clean
- dry cotton balls
- 10cc syringe / dropper
- a pair of sterile gloves
- waste receptacle
- kelly straight forceps
Irrigation Time
Always have the patient placed in an upright or a Fowler's position to provide an easy access for the nurse or whoever is going to irrigate the eye. Place a towel under the chin of the patient in case fluid flows there as it helps promote comfort. After gloving, clean the eyelid margins using a dry cotton ball moistened in the solution from inner canthus to the outer canthus and the eyelashes from inner to outer. This prepares the eyes for irrigation. After that, place a kidney basin below the patient's cheek on the affected eye's side so it will be used to receive the fluids and secretions from irrigation.
With a cotton ball in place, slowly retract the upper and lower eyelids to expose the conjunctival sac. Make sure to apply the pressure on the the bony prominence and not over the eye as it could be discomforting for the patient. With your free or dominant hand, aspirate fluid with a sterile syringe or dropper. Instruct the patient to look up; then slowly irrigate with a consistent stream toward the lower conjunctival sac to the outer canthus. Never irrigate straight to the eye as it can lead to discomfort to the patient.
Continue the irrigation process until the entire solution is consumed or secretions have been removed. If the latter, continue until return flow becomes clear. After the procedure, dry the eyelids and the facial area with the cotton ball you used in your non-dominant hand. Carefully place the patient in a position he or she finds it comfortable. Here is where you c an give health teachings on taking care of the eye. Clean up the area after the procedure.
Never Lose Sight!
Concerned of any eye injury, disorder or infection? Make sure to have a consultation with a physician before it's too late. Your sense of sight is so valuable, so might as well take care of it. When needed because of an accident or any eye disorder, irrigation may be done.
Take care of your Eyes!
There are many ways of protecting your eyes from anything that can get in and infect them. We can even protect them from any foreign body from sticking in or from continuous exposure to radiation from computers and television.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible. No matter how "clean" they may be, it is best practice not to use your hands in touching your eyes, especially when bits of sand or other foreign body could come in. A clean tissue may be used, or wash them with clean water.
- Do not stare for long hours on computers, television or any device of the same kind. Learn to look around your surroundings once in a while, or take a walk away from them. The damaging effects of continuous use can possibly lead to irreversible vision loss.
- Don't look directly at the bright light of the sun. It also has a damaging effect on your eyes because of its ultraviolet rays. If you want to take good care of your eyes on a hot summer day, consider wearing your sunglasses with UV protection.
Photo credit: <http://www.ofallonfec.com/wp/> Family Eye Care of O'Fallon