EYE IRRIGATION

Eye irrigation is the flushing of eye exudates, irritating solutions, foreign particles, dust
or fibers out from the eye/s or eye socket.

Purposes:
1. Reduce contamination of the eyes from chemicals or irritating substances.
2. Reduce discomfort and minimizes corneal damage.
3. Prevent infection of the eye.
4. Promote visual acuity.
Materials:
1. Bath towel or under pad
2. Prescribed irrigating solution, sterile normal saline or tap water.
3. Soft bulb syringe, eye dropper.
4. Sterile basin
5. Emesis basin
6. 4x4 sterile gauze pack/ cotton balls
7. Clean gloves
8. Examination light/ drop light
EXPECTED BEHAVIOR RATIONALE
ASSESSMENT
1. Review physician’s order in order including To administer accurate amount of
solution to be instilled in the affected eye/s to solution to the patient for effective
receive irrigation. procedure.
2. Assess reason for eye irrigation. To establish baseline data and to
know the limits/ extent of the
procedure.
3. If time permits, do a complete eye To ensure no abnormalities was
examination, including determining if pupil are assessed before the procedure will
equal, round, reactive to light and start.
accommodation (PERRLA).
4. Assess the eye for redness, tearing, discharges These signs are present if
and swelling. Ask the patient about symptoms inflammation/ foreign object is found
of itching, burning pain, blurred vision, or in the eyes.
photophobia.
5. Ask the patient to rate level of pain. Use a scale If pain persist, inform the physician
of 0 to 10. immediately so that pain reliever will
be given.
6. Assess the patient’s level of consciousness and To know if the patient is able to
ability to cooperate. follow instructions and to gain
cooperation.

7. Prepare the irrigation set, fluid and all the To save time and effort.
materials /equipment needed. Fluid should be
 at room temperature.
8. Identify the patient. To ensure that the right procedure is
done to the right patient.
9. Discuss the procedure with the patient. To gain client’s cooperation and
lessen anxiety.
10. Plan the need for assistance. To promote patient safety.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Do handwashing. For infection control or deter the
spread of microorganism.
2. Don clean gloves. Serves as a barrier for disease control
and infection.
3. Remove any contact lens if present. Contact lens is a foreign body thus
may cause infection.
4. For irrigation with syringe, place the patient in Supine position helps prevent the
supine position and turn the head in the solution from spilling.
affected side.
5. Position the examination light to illuminate the This is for proper visualization of the
affected eye. affected eye.
6. Place an under pad or towel on the bed. To prevent the bed from soiling.
7. Place towel just below the patient’s face and This will catch the solution and
emesis basin just below the patient’s cheek. foreign body being irrigated.
8. Clean visible secretions or foreign material This is done to avoid irritation and
from eyelids and lashes with gauze/ cotton ball cross contamination.
by wiping from inner to outer canthus.
9. Gently retract eyelids. Hold open by applying This maneuver allows easy exposure
pressure to orbit, not to eyeball. of the conjunctival sac.
10. Fill the irrigation syringe with fluid. With your Looking downward may expose the
non-dominat hand, gently but firmly pull the sclera for better cleaning.
upper eyelid toward the eyebrow and pull the
lower lid down towards cheeks to expose the
conjunctival sac. Ask the patient to look
downward.
11. Hold the irrigation syringe about ½ to 1 inch This is to slowly administer the
above the eye and gently depress the plunger or solution and remove the foreign
bulb of the syringe to irrigate the eye, directing body/ substances properly
the stream from the nasal edge of the eye
across to the outer edge.
12. Repeat the irrigation until the desired result This may lessen the anxiety of the
occurs or the total amount of solution has been patient.
used. Allow the patient to close eyes between
washings if large amount of solution is
required.
13. Blot excess moisture from eyelids and face To let the patient, feel comfort and
with gauze or cotton balls. be able to see clearly.
14. Dispose the soiled supplies. Remove gloves To avoid cross-contamination.
and perform handwashing.
EVALUATION
1. Observe for verbal and non-verbal signs of
anxiety during irrigation.
2. Assess patient’s comfort level after irrigation. To determine effectivity of the
procedure.
3. Inspect the eye for movement and to determine To ensure that no complications were
if pupils are equal, round, react to light and done after the procedure.
accommodation.
4. Ask patient about improved visual acuity. To know if the procedure is
successful.
DOCUMENTATION
1. Record in the nurses notes condition of eye and
patient’s report of pain and visual symptoms.
2. Record amount and type of irrigation
3. Report continuing symptoms of pain and
blurred vision.