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Saline is an aqueous saline solution (sodium chloride, NaCl) with a concentration of 0,9 percent. Saline is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. Due to its safety and digestibility, it is also used for eye hygiene. Check in what situations you can use saline in the eye.
Saline for the eye – removal of a foreign body from the eye
We can sprinkle the eye in various situations. When something falls into your eye, such as duckweed or dust, saline will help remove the foreign body from the eye. Instill a few drops into the conjunctival sac, wait several seconds for the foreign body to flow out. If it does not come out immediately, gently toss your eyelid to the inner corner for easier and safer removal of the foreign body. After such a procedure, you should gently rinse the eyelid with a cotton swab soaked in saline. It has moisturizing and soothing properties.
Saline for the eye – rinsing the eye
We can rinse the eye with an aqueous salt solution. If we have conjunctivitis, it will act as a cleanser and soothe itching. The eye should be rinsed with a gauze soaked in saline, in the direction from the outer to the inner corner. This method of washing is also recommended for children. Parents can thus carry out the daily eye hygiene of their newborns and babies.
Saline – dry eye syndrome
The tear film is the thin protective layer that surrounds the eye. It performs a very important function, incl. washes out impurities, irrigates the epithelium, and prevents the growth of bacteria.
If the eye produces too little tear film, a condition called dry eye occurs. It is necessary to replenish the fluid in the eye. For this purpose, the eye should be instilled with saline.
Tired eyes can also benefit from a cream based on oil and hemp extract, which soothes irritation and swelling.
Saline – moisturizing the eye
When the eyeball epithelium is dry, we feel discomfort, burning and itching. The eyes sting, they are irritated and red. Dry eyeball makes it difficult to see.
Lack of hydration is caused by:
- diseases (e.g. diabetes, thyroid diseases),
- aging of the body,
- vitamin A deficiency,
- hormonal drugs, drugs for hypertension, allergies and others,
- cigarette smoke,
- long-term work in front of the computer or reading (without breaks),
- dry indoor air,
- polluted air outside.
For these reasons, many people suffer from dry eyes and the accompanying discomfort. In this case, saline is used as a moisturizing and soothing agent, and restores the ionic balance in the eye epithelium. To moisturize the eye, saline comes in the form of drops without preservatives.
If you have doubts as to whether it is worth using saline, consult your doctor without leaving your home. Register and talk to a specialist at any time of the day or night.
Physiological salt – a method of rinsing the eyes
Before starting the instillation of the eyes, you should take care of the hygiene of your hands. We wash our hands and dry them on a clean towel so as not to transmit bacteria and viruses. We tilt our head back, look up and pull down the lower eyelid. Instill 1-3 drops into the conjunctival sac. And it’s ready. If necessary, we repeat the process. Before applying the next preparation, e.g. antibiotic drops, we must wait from 10 to 15 minutes.
Physiological salt – safety of use
Saline is safe for most eyes. In rare cases, it irritates the eye. In such a situation, the use of saline drops should be discontinued.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.