Eye care

Eye care is the process of cleaning one or both the eyes using prescribed solution for removing secretion and for preventing infection

1. EYE CARE
Definition
The process of cleaning one or both the eyes
using prescribed solution for removing
secretion and for preventing infection

2. PURPOSE

To prevent discomfort and pain

To prevent infection

To prevent any further injury

To provide instillation of an eye drop or application of an
eye ointment

3. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Check the diagnosis of the client

Check the physicians order to see the specific precautions
regarding the care of eye , the clients movement and
positioning

Assess the general condition of the client and the ability to
follow direction

Check the articles available in the client unit

4. PREPARATION OF ARTICLES
A tray containing

Mackintosh and towel

Sterile bowl with sterile cotton
swab

Normal saline / ordered solution

Kidney tray and paper bag

Clean face towel

To protect pillow and bed linen

To clean the eyes

To clean the eye

To receive the waste

To wipe the face after the
procedure

5. PREPARATION OF THE CLIENT AND
THE UNIT

Explain the procedure to the client

Explain how the client can co-operate with you

Adjust the bed to the comfortable working of the nurse

Arrange the articles conveniently on the bed side table

Keep the client flat if the condition permits

Remove all pillows leaving one pillow under the head

Protect the pillow and the bed with a mackintosh and towel
placed under the head

6. GENERAL INSTRUCTION

Area of the swab touched by the fingers should not come in
contact with eyes

Squeeze off the excessive water from the swab

No pressure on the eye ball

Gently wipe the lids from the inner to the outer corner

One swab for one swabbing

Separate swabs for each eye

7. PROCEDURE

Wash hands

Pour sterile saline into the bowl and wet the cotton swab

Stand in front of the client , clean the eyes with sterile swab

Discard the swab into the paper bag

Continue cleaning till all discharges are removed from the eyes

For crushed secretions, place a wet warm gauze piece or cotton
swab over the closed eye. Leave it in place until the crust
becomes soft

When the eyes are clean, stop the procedure . Wipe the face
with the face towel

8. AFTER CARE OF THE CLIENT AND
ARTICLES

Instill medication, if orderd

Remove the mackintosh and towel from under the clients head

Adjust the position of the client in bed

Tidy up the bed and make the client comfortable

Take all articles to the utility room. Clean them. Boil bowl. Send the
towel to laundry.

Replace the articles to the proper places

Wash hands thoroughly

Record the treatment with date and time. Record the observation
made on the nurses record