how to clean an eye
to keep the eye clean:
- wipe away the drainage from around the eye. moisten a clean cotton ball or face cloth with warm (not hot) water, and gently wipe from the inner (near the nose) to the outer part of the eye. with each wipe, use a new or clean part of the cotton ball or face cloth. keep a supply of clean cotton balls moistened with water in a sealed plastic bag for use when you are away from home.
- if eyelashes become crusted with drainage, clean them with a moist cotton ball using a gentle, downward motion. if the eyelids become stuck together, place a clean, warm, wet cotton ball over that eye for a few minutes to help loosen the crust.
current as of: july 11, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board: all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
