Although eyes have many built-in mechanisms to defend against contaminants, there’s always a chance that dirt, dust, debris, or chemical irritants can enter and cause harm. When this happens, check any chemical product label for emergency instructions on how to handle exposure. In most cases, flushing the eye is the smartest course of action. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these tips before visiting an optometrist to ensure you complete the flushing process safely and thoroughly.

Actions to Take When You Need to Flush Your Eye

1. Clean Hands & Remove Contacts

Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent other contaminants from entering your eye. If you are wearing contacts, gently remove them. Depending on the type of contacts you use, you should dispose of them or cleanse them with the appropriate solution.

2. Turn on the Faucet

Turn on a sink faucet so that warm — not hot — water flows out. Keep the stream steady but not overly forceful. If you don’t have access to a sink, use a shower or fill up a pitcher with warm water. If it’s available, use a saline solution eyewash product.

3. Get Into Position

Bend over the sink and tilt your head so that the affected eye is positioned at the lowest point in relation to the rest of your face. This angle helps ensure that no contaminants spread to the other eye. Using your fingers, hold your eyelids open so that they do not disrupt the flow of water.

4. Flush for 15 Minutes

Let the water run over your eye for at least 15 minutes. Hold your lids open as long as possible to ensure a continuous, cleansing stream. Move the eye up, down, and side to side to rinse as much surface area as possible.

5. Seek Additional Help

If you were exposed to a chemical or continue to feel irritation, seek immediate assistance from an optometrist, eye doctor, or another emergency medical professional. You can also call (800) 222-1222 to reach a poison control center in your area for instructions on how to handle specific chemical irritants.

If you’re worried about how irritants may have affected your eyes, turn to the trusted team at Pal Optical in Lexington, KY. This optometrist is equipped to provide comprehensive eye exams that check for vision loss and ocular damage. If necessary, this caring provider will introduce you to solutions to help improve or protect your sight, such as prescription glasses, contacts, or specialized medications. To learn more about these resources, visit this optometrist online. For appointments, call (859) 266-3003.