Flushing the eyes with water is a common procedure for getting rid of foreign objects in the eyes. This is something everyone should know because you don't know when you will need to apply the knowledge. Here are some tips to keep in mind while flushing your eyes with water:

Ensure Your Hands and the Water Is Clean

Ensure your hands are clean before even touching your eyes; touching your eyes with dirty hands may transfer germs to your eyes and infect it. Therefore, before washing your eyes, you need to wash your hands with clean water and soap to ensure they are clean. You should also not just use any water for your eyes; for example, water from a natural well may not be clean (tap water is usually clean enough).

Remove the Contact Lenses

If you are wearing contact lenses and there is a foreign material in your eyes, you need to remove the lenses first before flushing your eyes. This is the best way to ensure the water cleans out all the corners of your eyes. Flushing your eyes while wearing contacts may be counterproductive because the foreign material may be lodged between your eyes and the lenses.

Customize It to the Issue At Hand

The best way to flush your eyes depends on why you are flushing them in the first place. This is especially true with industrial or manufactured liquids or objects whose manufacturers often indicate (on the labels) what to do in case of eye accidents. Read the first aid instructions on the label and follow it religiously before seeking further medical attention. For example, if you are instructed to flush your eyes with warm water for 15 minutes, that is what you should do.

Don't Tilt Your Head Backwards

It is advisable to tilt your head while flushing them, but the direction of tilting also matters. You should tilt your head to the sides so that the water runs out with ease and the material in your eyes flows out with it. Whatever you do, don't tilt your head backward; that could send the foreign material under your upper eyelid.

Don't Rub Your Eyes

Lastly, never rub your eyes while flushing them; just let the water run freely over them. Rubbing your eyes can cause bruising, especially if the foreign material is a solid. For a liquid, rubbing your eyes may send the foreign material deep into your eyes.

If the foreign object in the eye is a dangerous one, such as a chemical, then flushing the eyes with water is just a first aid measure. You need to see an eye doctor after that for treatment. For more information or to continue reading more about eye health, contact a professional eye doctor.