Flushing the Eye

Flushing the eye with water is the most important first-aid step for a burn to the eye.

You can use any of these methods to flush the eye. Remove contact lenses first, if you can, and then hold your eyelids open while you:

• Stand under a shower with open eyes.
• Put your face under a running faucet.
• Use a kitchen sink sprayer at low pressure.
• Immerse your face in a sink or pan filled with water.
• Run water from a garden hose over your eye (do not use the spray nozzle).
• Pour water from a pitcher or jug over your eye.

Do not use alcohol to flush the eye.