Irrigation of the Eye

• Exposure to acidic or alkaline chemicals
• Foreign body removal
• Exposure to bodily fluid

• Ruptured globe

• pH paper
• Proparacaine (or similar topical ocular anesthetic)
• Slit lamp
• Normal saline bags and tubing (any clean water until irrigation fluids are available)
• Cotton-tipped applicators
• Gloves and eye protection if exposure to infectious agents is likely **UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS**
• Jeweler’s forceps (optional)
• Morgan Lens (MorTan Inc, Missoula, Mont) (optional)
• Lid retractor (e.g., Desmarres retractor) (optional)

• The cornea is a clear structure, composed of epithelium, basement membrane, stroma, Descemet’s layer, and endothelium.
• Just beneath the cornea and anterior to the iris is the fluid-filled anterior chamber.
• The conjunctiva is a layer of connective tissue covering the sclera and the inner surface of the eyelid.
• The ocular surface consists of the cornea and the conjunctiva.

Figure 1 :  Irrigation of the eye.

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Figure 2 :  Morgan lens.

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Figure 3 :  Cornea and conjunctiva.

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The full content of this section includes:

• Step-by-step text instructions for performing the procedure
  
• Clinical pearls providing practical clinical tips from medical experts
• Patient safety guidelines consistent with Joint Commission and OHSA standards
• Links to medical evidence and related procedures

Figure 4 :  Check the pH of the inferior fornix.

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Figure 7 :  Irrigate with normal saline.

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• Treat with antibiotic ointment 6 to 8 times daily and oral pain medications, if necessary.
• An eye patch is not indicated.
• If the pH does not return to normal after irrigation with several liters of saline, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately.
• Follow up with an ophthalmologist within 24 hours of treatment.

• Corneal injury due to irrigation methods