Definition
Performing eye irrigation is a fundamental nursing procedure used to flush out foreign bodies, chemicals, or infectious material from the eye. It promotes comfort, prevents complications, and supports healing.
Purposes
- To clean the eye.
- To remove foreign particles, excessive secretion, or discharge.
- To apply heat or cold.
- To reduce inflammation.
- To relieve discomfort.
Articles
- Eye irrigator (undine)/syringe without needle.
- Large cotton swabs.
- Mackintosh.
- Gloves, gown, and eye protection
- K-basin (2 nos.).
- pH paper (for chemical injuries)
- Irrigating solution(sterile).
- Towel or tissue
Contraindications
- Suspected globe rupture or penetrating trauma
- Corneal perforation or deep ulcer
- Known allergy to irrigation solution
- Recent ocular surgery (unless prescribed)
Procedure
| Nursing Actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Before procedure Identify the patient. Provide explanation as to what will be done and how he may cooperate. | Provides for performance of procedure on correct patient. Decreases patient’s anxiety and promotes cooperation. |
| 2. | Assemble articles at the bedside. | Facilitates orderly performance of the procedure. |
| 3. | During procedure Wash and dry hands | |
| 4. | Expose the lower conjunctival sac by separating the lids with the thumb and forefinger. Exert pressure on the bony prominence of the cheek bone and on the eyebrow when holding the eyelids. | Prevents reflex blinking. Prevents pressure to the eyeball. |
| 5. | Hold the filled eye irrigator about 25 cm (1 inch) above the eye. | Ensures an even, safe pressure of the solution and avoids possible injury to cornea. |
| 6. | Irrigate the eye directing the solution on the lower conjunctival sac, from the inner canthus to the outer canthus. | Directing the solution in this way prevents fluid from flowing down the nasolacrimal duct. |
| 7. | Irrigate until the solution leaving the eye is clear (or) until all the solution has been used. | |
| 8. | Dry around the eye with cotton swabs. | Prevents infection. |
| 9. | Apply ointment if prescribed by physician. | Aids in healing and prevents infection. |
| 10. | Discard the irrigated fluid and swabs and sterilize and replace all the reusable articles. Wash hands. | Prevents transmission of microorganisms. |
| 11. | After procedure Record the treatment showing amount and color of discharge, consistency of discharge, presence of redness and swelling, and treatment given. | Serves as a legal document. |
| 12. | Refer the patient to the physician if the eyes show evidence of ulceration. | Prevents complication. |
Special Considerations
- Use room temperature solution to avoid discomfort
- Avoid irrigation if globe rupture or penetrating injury is suspected
- For chemical burns, begin irrigation immediately don’t delay for assessment
- Use pH testing before and after eye irrigation for chemical exposures
- Refer to ophthalmology if foreign body persists or vision is impaired
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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