How to Flush the Eye Safely

Published on May 8th, 2023

Updated on March 27th, 2025

Flushing the eye is a way to remove foreign objects or irritants from the eye. Flushing the eye safely, involves using water to wash over and into the eye to clear away irritants or debris. This is known as irrigating the eye and can also be called an eyewash. An eyewash is different to eyedrops as these two processes treat different eye-related issues. The eyes can be flushed out with water or a saline solution purchased from a pharmacy.

The purpose of an eye flush is to remove objects such as an eyelash, sand or other debris from the eye. An eye flush should not be used if a foreign body has pierced the eye or if the eye is bleeding. If this occurs, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional as these could be severe and cause serious damage to the eyes.

How to get rid of something in your eye

Flushing the eyes out with water or a saline solution is an effective way to get rid of something in your eye. An optometrist is also equipped to assess, treat and refer patients who have foreign objects or other irritants in the eye.

How to flush your eyes out

There are different ways to flush the eyes out such as in the shower, over the sink or using a bowl or cup filled with water. The steps for how to flush an eye safely are discussed below.

1. Use Soap and Water to Wash Your Hands.

Use soap and water to wash your hands so that they are clean and hygienic as they will be touching in and around the eyes. It is important to wash your hands before flushing out the eyes as it ensures you are not adding further contamination to the area. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm or cold water for at least 20 seconds, creating a lather and making sure to scrub the backs of your hands and in between the fingers.

2. Remove Your Contacts if You are Wearing Them.

It is important to remove your contacts if you are wearing them in order to flush the eyes safely. Contact lenses are corrective devices and alternatives to optical glasses that provide clear and comfortable vision. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking out contact lenses is necessary before you irrigate the eye or eyes because there could be irritants stuck behind the contact lenses, trapping the debris and aggravating symptoms. It is also advised to remove contact lenses as they may be damaged by the foreign object in the eye. Contact lenses are very thin and may be scratched or torn by debris in the eye.

3. Start Rinsing Your Eye (or eyes) with Warm Clean Water.

Start to rinse out the eyes or affected eye with warm, clean water. Saline is preferable as it is more sanitary than tap water, however, warm, clean water can be used. This process can be done in the shower, using the water from a sink or using a cup or pitcher to submerge the eyes in water. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should flush your eyes with a gentle stream of water and aim to keep the eyes open as much as you can handle.

To perform the cup method, use a small cup or glass slightly larger than your eye and fill it with water. Gently place the cup over the affected eye and tilt the head to the side to allow the water to wash in the open eye.

4. If You Have Been Exposed to Chemicals, Try to Spend At Least 15 Minutes Irrigating Your Eye or Eyes.

People who have had their eyes exposed to chemicals should aim to spend at least 15 minutes irrigating the eye or eyes. If your eyes have been exposed to chemicals, first read the packaging of the chemicals if it is readily available as it may provide instructions on how to treat the eyes. Chemicals in the eyes can be a very serious problem as they can cause burns and in some severe cases lead to more serious eye conditions, therefore, it should be seen to by a medical professional as soon as possible. In the meantime, the eyes should be flushed with water or a saline solution until it can be treated. Chemical burns occur when a powder or liquid chemical comes into contact with the eyes. Chemical burns in the eye can also occur through rubbing the eyes after handling chemicals, therefore, you should always wash your hands after you come into contact with chemicals and before performing an eyewash.

5. If There’s Something in Your Eye, Stop When it Comes Out.

The purpose of an eye flush is to clear away debris or irritants from the eye, therefore, an eye flush is complete once the eye is free from foreign objects. If something got in your eye such as an eyelash, grain of sand or spec of dust, an eyewash can be performed using water or a saline solution to get rid of these irritants.

6. Check Every Few Minutes to see Whether it's Been Flushed.

When flushing the eye, it is important to check every few minutes to see whether the irritant has been flushed away. To identify if it has been flushed, open your eye very wide and look in a mirror. If you cannot see it, gently lift the upper eyelid and lower eyelid to locate the irritant. If you still cannot find it or feel it, finish the eye flushing.

What More to Know About Flushing the Eye

If you want to know more about flushing the eye, you can speak to your local optometrist or healthcare provider. They will be able to answer any questions you have or provide guidance on treatment you may require for any eye issues.

What are the Different Ways to Flush the Eyes?

There are four main ways to flush the eye or eyes. The different ways to flush the eyes are in the shower, in the sink, using a bowl of water and using a cup. These can be done at home using water and materials you may already own. If you are unsure about how to perform an eye flush safely, seek advice from an healthcare professional or an optometrist.

To flush the eye in the shower, stand under the running, warm water and let it wash over the eyes to clear away irritants. The sink can be used by bending over the sink and placing the eyes under the running water to flush them. A bowl of water can be used to flush the eyes by placing the eyes in the water while blinking to remove foreign bodies that may have entered the eyes. Finally, a small cup filled with water may be placed over the affected eye to flush out irritants by tilting the head to the side.

What is the best way to get something out of your eye?

The best way to get something out of your eye is to try and flush it out with water. If this is unsuccessful, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider or eye care professional.

What are the Materials Needed to Eye Flush?

The materials needed to flush the eye can vary depending on the type of eye flush you wish to perform. An eye flush can be done using warm, clean water or with a saline solution, also known as an eyewash solution. You can use items found in your kitchen to administer the eye flush such as a bowl, cup or pitcher filled with water. You should always wash your hands before you perform an eye flush, therefore, you should have soap available to ensure your hands are clean and bacteria-free.

What is the Purpose of Flushing the Eye?

The purpose of an eye flush is to remove foreign objects or debris from the eye to protect the eye from injury or damage. Flushing the eye can be performed to rid the eye of minor debris or irritants such as dust or an eyelash. If the situation is more serious such as a foreign object piercing the eye or if the eye is bleeding, seek medical attention immediately and do not flush the eye.

Does Washing Your Eyes with Water Help?

Yes, washing your eyes with water can help if there are foreign objects or other irritants in the eyes, as this is how an eye flush is performed. Warm water should be used to flush the eyes as hot water can burn or irritate the eyes and the delicate skin around the eyes. The water should be clean and free of bacteria or other unwanted substances as you do not want to contaminate the eye and cause further damage.

How Long Should Your Eyes be Flushed For?

The eyes should be flushed for approximately 15 minutes but this can vary on a case-to-case basis. For example, if the purpose of the eye flush is to remove a foreign object from the eye, once that object or irritant is flushed away, the process is complete. Make sure to stop every few minutes to assess if the object or irritant you are attempting to flush out is gone so that you can finish the eyewash.

What is the Advantage of Flushing the Eye?

The advantage of flushing the eye is that it can clear away any debris that is causing discomfort or irritation. Flushing the eye can be performed in the comfort of your own home if you find there is an eyelash or a spec of dust in your eye. If you are experiencing pain or significant discomfort in the eye and suspect it is caused by a foreign object, visit a healthcare professional for assessment and treatment.

Can Eye Flushing Cause Damage to the Eye?

Yes and no. Typically, eye flushing does not cause damage to the eye as it is an attempt to flush away things that may be causing discomfort or damage. There are some cases where an eye flushing is not advised as it could irritate the area such as if the eye has been pierced by an object or it is bleeding. Eye flushing should be done with clean water so as to not introduce bacteria into or around the eye.

What are the Do's and Don'ts of Eyewashing?

There are several do’s and don'ts when it comes to using an eyewash or flushing out the eye. As the eye is a very delicate part of the body, it needs to be taken care of when being flushed out. Some of the main don’ts of using eyewash or flushing out the eye include; do not rub the eyes as this could make the problem with the eye worse. Do not touch the eye with unclean hands as this can cause bacteria and dirt to get in the eye and may lead to infection. If there is a foreign object in the eye that has embedded deep or is causing bleeding or significant pain, do not attempt to take it out yourself, seek immediate medical attention. The do’s of using eyewash or flushing out the eye include; do wash your hands before performing an eyewash, to make sure you aren’t spreading bacteria into the eye and areas surrounding the eye. Do use clean water as dirty or unsanitised water may bring bacteria and dirt into the eye, which can cause infection. Do take your contacts out to ensure you are washing your eye unobstructed and preserving the quality of the lens.

What is the Difference Between Eye Drops and Eyewash?

The difference between eye drops and eyewash is the purpose of these products. Eye drops can be used to soothe irritated eyes, bring moisture to the eyes, or treat certain eye conditions. An eyewash, also known as flushing the eye, is used to clear away irritants or debris that may be causing discomfort in the eyes.

Eye drops are a type of liquid that is applied to the eyes using an eye dropper. They can be medicated or unmedicated. Artificial tears are a type of unmedicated eye drops and are commonly used to bring moisture to the eyes as they mimic the makeup of tears. Eye drops can be used to treat dry eyes and itchy eyes.

An eyewash is another term for flushing the eye and can be performed using clean water or a saline solution which is salt mixed with water. Eyewashes are used to flush out foreign objects in the eye or eyes such as an eyelash, sand or other irritants.

Is Eyewash Safer than Eye Drops?

Both eyewash and eye drops are generally safe to use, as long as you are using both at the recommendation of an optometrist or health care professional. Eyewashes and eye drops are ways of treating and alleviating the symptoms of many eye conditions.

Is Eyewash Better than Eye Drops?

Eyewash and eye drops are used for different purposes and treat different eye-related conditions. Therefore, the question of is eyewash better than eyedrops does not have a definitive answer. An eyewash should be used when you have something in your eye such as an eyelash or dust that is causing you discomfort or irritation. Eyedrops are used to treat conditions such as dry eyes by adding moisture to the surface of the eye.

What are the Differences Between Saline Solution and Water for Eye Flushing?

The difference between a saline solution and water for eye flushing is the ingredients. Saline solution is simply a mixture of water and salt, which is a similar make up to tears produced by the eyes. A saline solution can be used to flush out the eye, clean a piercing, cleanse scrapes or cuts and rinse out the nasal passages. Water used for eye flushing should be clean and warm to not further irritate the eyes.

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