How to wash out an eye
Maelekezo
In this topic you will learn how to wash out an eye.
Onyo
Remember if a person has a chemical eye injury, you should wash out the eye before you continue the primary eye care screen.
Fanya maandalizi
Utahitaji:
- A large syringe or a jug with a pouring spout
- Saline solution or clean water at room temperature
- A towel or pieces of gauze
- A bowl or kidney dish (curved medical tray) if available.
Always wash and dry your hands with soap or sanitizer gel before and after washing out a person’s eye.
Elezea
Ask the person to lie down or sit with their head tilted back. Cover their neck and shoulders with a towel. Explain you will:
- Gently hold their eye/s open
- Wash their eye/s for 10 minutes to wash out the chemicals.
Wash out eye(s)
- Place a bowl, kidney dish or towel against the person’s cheek, with their head tilted towards it
- Hold the eyelids open gently
- Use the saline/water in your jug or syringe to wash the eye continuously, asking the person to look from side to side
- Wash out under the eyelids by turning the eyelid out if needed (this is discussed in the next topic)
- Continue for a minimum of 10 minutes
- If both eyes are affected, switch between the eyes every 30 seconds with the person facing up.
Maelekezo
Watch the video to learn how to wash out a person’s eyes.
Record
Record in the Action taken section of the PEC Screen form by ticking ‘Performed eye wash out’.
Kazi
In pairs, practice how you would set up and explain to a person how you would wash out their eye.