Instructions for proper eye hygiene

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi - Ophthalmologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

1. For chemicals

Instructions for eye hygiene will vary depending on the case and the cause of the eye. In life, there are many household chemicals that can potentially damage your eyes. Such as:
Bleach, washing powder, fabric softener; Drain cleaners; Fertilizers, pesticides; dish soap; Glass cleaner, floor cleaner; Beauty products, bathing, cosmetics, hair styling; Lime products such as gypsum and cement. The first step to eye hygiene in this case is to remove the chemical from the eye as soon as possible. Specifically:
Rinse eyes with cool water or saline solution immediately for at least 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them and continue rinsing your eyes. After rinsing is complete, call the medical hotline and describe the situation for advice on what to do next. For cosmetic products such as soaps and shampoos, you usually just need to wash your eyes with plain water according to the instructions on the packaging label. If the medical staff at the hotline asks you to go to the emergency room, bring the chemical container with you so that the doctors know and give the correct course of action.

2. Pus or mucus

Pus or mucus (rust/gas) may dry into a layer that causes itching or discomfort. You may experience cold sores , allergies or pink eye . Blocked tear glands or problems with the oil glands in the eyelids also produce pus or mucus in the corners of the eyes.
Instructions for proper eye hygiene in this case are as follows:
Step 1: Remove the dried layers of alum; Step 2: Place a warm, damp washcloth over closed eyes for a few minutes; Step 3: Dip the towel into warm water again to prepare to remove the mucus; Step 4: Using a cotton swab or a corner of a towel soaked in warm water, close your eyes and gently wipe from the inner corner to the outside; Step 5: Repeat the above step with a new cotton swab or an unused portion of the towel until the eye is clean. Note:
Wash hands before and after performing eye hygiene; Adjust the water temperature just warm enough, do not use hot water. The eyes, eyelids and the skin around the eyes are very sensitive and easily burned. Prevent infection by using a new washcloth every time, especially in case of an infection (pink eye). Use two different wipes in both eyes so you don't transfer germs from one eye to the other.

3. Dirt or debris

Occasionally, the wind can blow dirt or sand into your face, which is more annoying than when it gets in your eyes. The steps to proper eye hygiene for this situation are:
Make use of your tears: Gently pull down the upper eyelid, pressing it to rest on top of the lower eyelid. Blink a few times. This will make you cry, and pull the dirt out. Rinse with water: You can also rinse your eyes with cool water from the faucet. Blink with clean water until you feel comfortable and the foreign body has passed out. Wipe your eyes: If you can see a piece of dust on your eyeball, try to remove it by gently wiping it with a wet cloth. Do not penetrate deeply and stop impacting if foreign object is stuck in eye. Be careful not to rub the outside vigorously as this can push dirt or debris deeper into your eyes.

4. Other cases

In addition to eye damage, people should also clean their eyes daily, especially after going out, before applying eye drops or after applying makeup. You can clean your eyes regularly by following these steps:
Wash your hands before doing; Drop NaCl 0.9% physiological saline (available at drugstores); Use medical gauze or a clean cloth soaked in water to wipe the eyes from the inside out, from top to bottom; Use a clean cotton swab to rub the base of the eyelashes; Clean each eye separately, do not share towels or gauze for both eyes to avoid infection. Note, do not apply strong force when cleaning your eyes, as well as make your own salt water to wash your eyes because it is not the right concentration and is not hygienic.

5. When should you go to the doctor?

You may need medical attention if you feel:
Having trouble seeing or opening your eyes; Pain; The white of the eye is red; Sensitivity to light; Tears that don't stop; Unable to remove dirt or foreign objects from the eye on their own. Taking steps to properly clean your eyes not only helps to relieve eye discomfort and make them more clean, but also prevents certain diseases such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis or damage to vision. To have beautiful and healthy eyes, people also need to pay attention to good nutrition for their eyes and regularly practice reasonable sports.
Doctor CKI Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi has nearly 10 years of experience in the eye field. Treatment of medical eye diseases as well as eye surgery such as: pterygium, entropion, milia, glaucoma and cataract surgery by Phaco method. Besides, it also treats diabetic retinopathy by intraocular Anti-VEGF injection and ophthalmic surgery. Currently, the doctor is an Eye Doctor in the Department of Medical Examination - Internal Medicine, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Customers can register for examination, treatment and surgery for eye diseases at Vinmec International General Hospital by going to Vinmec Health Systems nationwide or registering online HERE.
Reference source: webmd.com