How to Clean an Eye

How to clean an eye

To keep the eye clean:

  • Wipe away the drainage from around the eye. Moisten a clean cotton ball or washcloth 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 washcloth. 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.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofMay 4, 2017

Current as of: May 4, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine