How to Clean an Infected Eye?

Cleaning an infected eye primarily involves gently rinsing it with a saline solution to remove debris and soothe irritation.

Here’s a breakdown of how to safely and effectively clean an infected eye:

Cleaning an Infected Eye: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Wash Your Hands: Before touching your eye or anything that will come into contact with it, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water. This helps prevent further contamination.

2. Prepare a Saline Solution: The best solution is a sterile saline solution, available at most pharmacies. Alternatively, you can make your own saltwater solution:

   • Boil water for 1 minute to sterilize it.
   • Let the water cool until it’s lukewarm.
   • Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup (8 ounces) of the cooled water. Make sure the salt completely dissolves.
   • Important: Always use non-iodized salt.

3. Apply a Warm Compress (Optional): Before cleaning, a warm compress can help loosen crusting or discharge around the eye. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water, wring out the excess, and gently place it over the closed eye for 5-10 minutes.

4. Rinse the Eye:

   • Using a Sterile Eyecup or Syringe: If you have a sterile eyecup or syringe (without a needle), fill it with the saline solution. Gently position the eyecup against your eye socket or use the syringe to direct a gentle stream of the solution across your eye, from the inner corner to the outer corner.
   • Using a Clean Washcloth or Cotton Ball: Soak a clean washcloth or cotton ball in the saline solution. Gently wipe the eye, again moving from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use a fresh part of the cloth or a new cotton ball for each wipe.

5. Dry Gently: Pat the area around your eye dry with a clean, soft towel or a fresh cotton ball.

6. Repeat as Needed: You can repeat this cleaning process several times a day, especially if there is a lot of discharge.

Important Considerations:

• Avoid Contact Lenses: Do not wear contact lenses while your eye is infected. If you wear disposable lenses, discard the current pair and use a fresh pair when the infection has cleared. Clean reusable lenses thoroughly.
• Don't Share: Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or eye makeup to prevent spreading the infection.
• Consult a Doctor: If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days, consult a doctor. You may need prescription eye drops or ointment to treat the infection. Symptoms that warrant medical attention include:
  • Severe pain
  • Vision changes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Swelling around the eye
  • Fever

Summary

Cleaning an infected eye involves gentle rinsing with saline solution and maintaining good hygiene. While this can help alleviate symptoms, it's crucial to seek professional medical advice if the infection persists or worsens.