If you accidentally get dirt in your eyes, it can result in your eyes being covered in pus or mucus when you awaken. So, how exactly should you wash your eyes?
A foreign object in your eye might cause mild discomfort or severe pain. What it is determines the best method for washing it out. Act soon to avoid causing any vision or eye damage.
Chemicals
Numerous contaminants found in the home can harm your eyes. They include products made of lime, such as cement and plaster, as well as bleach, drain cleaners, fertilisers, dishwashing liquid, and glass polish.
Purge it. Rinse your eye with cool water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes right away. This can be done in the shower or standing over a sink. If you wear contacts, take them out while continuing to wipe your eye.
Get advice. Call the poison control centre in your area. They can advise you on what to do next based on the chemical. For products like shampoo and soap, a thorough rinse ought to be plenty. If you’re unsure, call the helpdesk.
Attend the ER. Take the chemicals container with you to the emergency department if the poison expert advises you to do so so that the staff there will be aware of what it is.
Debris or Dirt
Sometimes the wind will blow sand or dirt your way. Alternately, you might notice something bigger.
Put your tears to use. With minimal pressure, pull your top eyelid so that it hangs over your lower lashes. Blink several times. Tears will be generated and this can help flush the debris in the eye away.
Remove it. Try gently wiping the tiny thing out of your eye with a wet washcloth if you can see it. Avoid poking it. If the thing is still in your eye, refrain from performing this action.
Pus or Mucus
Unpleasant pus or mucus may develop into a bothersome crust. It can be acquired through colds, allergies, or pinkeye. A clogged tear duct or problems with the oil glands in your eyelids, both of which can result in obstructions, our other problems.
Advice on what you should do is:
First, break up any crusty discharge. Put a warm, damp washcloth over your closed eye for a few minutes. To get rid of any last bits of dirt, rewarm the washcloth with water if necessary. Next, using a pair of warm, damp cotton balls or a washcloth corner, gently wipe your closed eye from the inner to the outer corner. Continue using brand-new cotton balls until the eye is clean.
Remember to keep everything organised. Wash your hands both before and after.
The ideal temperature is lukewarm. The skin, eyelid, and eye area are all sensitive regions of your body.
Avoid contaminating others. Whenever you wipe an infection like pinkeye, use a fresh washcloth. If you have pink eye in both of your eyes, you should use two washcloths to prevent spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
When to Visit a Physician
If you have:
- Difficulty opening the eye or seeing
- Redness in the eye’s white due to pain
- Bright light bothers your eye
- No-stop discharge
- Difficulty removing the matter yourself
You’ll probably require medical attention.
We are Yonge & College based in Toronto, Canada. Come and book a visit if you have any of the above symptoms.
