What is ocular irrigation of the eyes?

Ocular irrigation is a procedure that involves flushing the eye with a balanced salt solution to remove foreign objects, irritants, or excessive mucus**.

This procedure can also deliver medications directly to the eye. Normal saline is the preferred irrigating solution. Other solutions used commonly include Ringer’s lactate or lactated Ringer’s solution.

Indications of Ocular Irrigation

Ocular irrigation can be carried out to achieve specific medical indications like removing irritants or objects

Cleaning secretions

Diluting and removing certain drugs from the eyes that could have otherwise resulted in corneal toxicity, like alkalis and acids

Common Causes in the Eyes Which Warrant Urgent Irrigation**

Corneal abrasion

Conjunctivitis

Corneal foreign body

Chemical/Thermal exposure injuries of the eye

Insect/Animal matter stuck beneath the eyelids