Care of eyes prevents infection and helps to

maintain their functions. This procedure is always

done as part of general bathing procedure

To maintain the cleanliness of eyes

To prevent infection

To help the organ in normal functioning

To prevent obstruction

Anatomy & physiology:

There are three layers of tissue in the walls of
the eye
The outer fibrous layer
The middle vascular layer
The inner nervous tissue layer.

Microbiology:
Nurse

should wash her hands before and after every

procedure.
Infection may be carried to the eye by soiled
handkerchiefs or by soiled towels.
The infected eyes may carry the infection to the nose and
throat, because of the continuity of the structures.

Physics:
Normal tension in the eyeball is between 13 and 29 mm of
Hg. In glaucoma the pressure may rise to 35 mm of Hg or
above..
Tears

lubricate the surface of the eyelids, so there is no

friction.

Chemistry:
The pH of normal tears is 7.0 to 7.4.
pH of 6.3 to 6.6 causes a slight feeling of dryness.
Pharmacology:
Antiseptic, astringent, mydriatic, miotic or anesthetic
are the drugs used in the treatment of the eyes.
Psychology:
Explain the procedure to the patient to relieve anxiety.

Unconscious

patients are at risk for eye

injury. Daily swabbing of eye with
wet sterile cotton is important
Cleaning

is done from inner to outer

canthus of eye
Use

normal saline to remove the crust

During

bath each eye is cleaned with

separate portion of wash cloth
When

sterile procedure is required ,

each eye is cleaned with separate
swabs, swabbing each once only. Do not
touch the inner side of the swab

Check
Patient

diagnosis

Doctors

order for specific

instructions
Assess

for general
condition
Self

care ability

Articles

available in unit

Explain

the procedure

Arrange

the articles at the bed

side
Place

the patient in flat if

condition
Permits
Protect

the pillow and the bed

A tray containing

Mackintosh and towel

Sterile bowl with sterile cotton

Sterile normal saline/ Betadine

Thump forceps dipped in boiled cold

water

Gauze piece

Kidney tray and paper bag

To protect the bed and cloth

To clean the eye before

procedure.

To clean the eye

To pick the guaze pieces

To clean the eyes

To discard the waste

Thump
forceps

small
towel

Cotton
balls

NS/Betadine

gauze

mackintosh $
towel

Kidney tray

Procedure.

Procedure
Step

Rational

Explain the procedure to the patient

Relaxed patient is more cooperative

Place the patient in the dorsal

recumbent position slightly towards
the infected side

Relaxed patient is more cooperative

Place mackintosh and towel under

the head

To protect the bed linen

Wash hands

To prevent cross infection

If sterile swabs are used, pour

sterile saline in to the bowl to wet
the cotton swabs

For cleaning of eye discharge

Stand in front of the patient.

To prevent the transmission of
Pick up the wet cotton swab
micro organisms in to lacrimal
with the thump forceps, transfer duct
it to the hand and squeeze the
excessive water from the swab
without touching the part which
will come in direct contact with
eye. Clean the less infected eye
first from the inner canthus to
the outer canthus (one stroke
with each swab). Discard the
used swabs in the kidney tray
When the eye is clean, repeat the To prevent the transmission of micro
same for the other eye and make organisms in to lacrimal duct
the patient comfortable

Replace the articles

Wash hands

Record the procedure

Berman

Audrey,Barbara Kozier,Glenora Erb, Shirlee

Synder,Kozier & Erb,s,Fundamentals of

nursing:concepts,process and practice,Published
byPearson publishers,8th edition,Pp- 780-781
Inamdar madhuri,the text book of fundamentals of
nursingpart-II,published by-Vora medical
publications,
second edition,Pp- 106-114
Nancy Sr.,Stephanies principles and practice of
Nursing,nursing arts and procedure,volume
one,published by-N.R. brothers,sixth edition,Pp283-285

Potter

A. Patricia,Anne Griffin
Perry,Fundamentals
of nursingpublished by-mosby
publications,6th
edition,Pp- 856-862
Swarnakar Keshav,Nursing practicals and
procedures published by-N.R. brothers,
first edition,Pp- 169-172
The Trained Nurses Association of
India,fundamentals of nursing ,a procedure
manualpublished by-Aravali printers and