Administering an Eye Irrigation

Goal: The eye is cleansed successfully.

1. Gather equipment. Check the original order in the medical record for the irrigation according to facility policy. Clarify any inconsistencies. Check the patient’s chart for allergies.

2. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

3. Identify the patient. Usually, the patient should be identified using two methods. Compare information with the CMAR/MAR.
a. Check the name and identification number on the patient’s identification band.
b. Ask the patient to state his or her name and birth date, based on facility policy.
c. If the patient cannot identify him- or herself, verify the patient’s identification with a staff member who knows the patient for the second source.

4. Explain procedure to patient.

5. Assemble equipment at patient’s bedside.

6. Have patient sit or lie with head tilted toward side of affected eye. Protect patient and bed with a waterproof pad.

7. Put on gloves. Clean lids and lashes with washcloth moistened with normal saline or the solution ordered for the irrigation. Wipe from inner canthus to outer canthus. Use a different corner of washcloth with each wipe.

8. Place curved basin at cheek on the side of the affected eye to receive irrigating solution. If patient is able, ask him or her to support the basin.

9. Expose lower conjunctival sac and hold upper lid open with your nondominant hand.

10. Fill the irrigation syringe with the prescribed fluid. Hold irrigation syringe about 2.5 cm (1 inch) from eye. Direct flow of solution from inner to outer canthus along conjunctival sac.


11. Irrigate until the solution is clear or all the solution has been used. Use only enough force to remove secretions gently from the conjunctiva. Avoid touching any part of the eye with the irrigating tip.

12. Pause irrigation and have patient close the eye periodically during procedure.

13. Dry periorbital area after irrigation with gauze sponge. Offer a towel to the patient if face and neck are wet.

14. Remove gloves. Assist the patient to a comfortable position.

15. Remove additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

16. Evaluate the patient’s response to medication within appropriate time frame.