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Eye irrigation at a clinic, performed by a doctor, is extremely important. If foreign particles, chemicals, or pathogens enter the eye and are not promptly flushed out, it can lead to inflammation, corneal damage, or severe infection, and in some cases, may even result in vision loss. 
Flushing your eyes at home may not be sufficient and can increase the risk of complications. Receiving care from an eye specialist helps effectively prevent permanent damage to your eyes.
Things You Should Know About Eye Irrigation
- Why eye irrigation is necessary
- Causes that require eye irrigation
- Cost of eye irrigation
- Steps of eye irrigation at the clinic
- How to prepare before the procedure
Why eye irrigation is necessary
Eye irrigation helps clean the eyes, flushing out dirt, foreign particles, chemicals, and pathogens. It can reduce discharge or pus, relieve irritation, and limit the severity of eye damage. While minor cases can sometimes be managed at home, it is recommended to see a doctor for proper treatment and professional eye irrigation.
Causes that require eye irrigation
- Foreign particles in the eye – such as dust, metal shavings, or other objects, causing irritation
- Chemical exposure – including cleaning agents, oils, or corrosive substances that can harm the eyes
- Infections – such as conjunctivitis, which may require irrigation to reduce irritation
- Allergic reactions – causing redness and swelling, which can be relieved through eye irrigation
Cost of Eye Irrigation at Intouchmedicare Clinic
- Eye irrigation services start at 1,600 THB
- This price does not include medication and may vary depending on the doctor’s assessment
Steps for Eye Irrigation at the Clinic
- Medical history and eye assessment: Check if there are indications for eye irrigation.
- Prepare equipment: Set up all necessary supplies for the procedure.
- Position the patient: Have the patient lie flat on their back without a pillow, with their head close to the edge of the bed, slightly tilting the face toward the eye to be irrigated.
- Hand hygiene and gloves: Wash hands thoroughly, dry, and put on gloves. Connect the saline (0.9% NSS) tubing to the saline bottle.
- Protect surrounding area: Use tape to attach a plastic sheet around the outer corner of the eye and place a triangular basin under the sheet.
- Irrigate the eye: Inform the patient that the irrigation is starting. Have them close their eyes while the saline is gently poured approximately 1 inch above the eyelids, rinsing the upper, lower, and surrounding areas of the eye.
- Open the eye for thorough cleaning: Ask the patient to open the eye. Using the non-dominant hand, hold the eyelids open with the thumb on the lower lid and the index or middle finger on the upper lid while allowing the saline to flow across the eye from the inner to outer corner.
- Flush the conjunctiva: For the lower conjunctiva, have the patient look up. For the upper conjunctiva, have the patient look down. Ask the patient to roll their eyes left and right alternately to ensure the entire conjunctival surface is rinsed.
How to Prepare for Eye Irrigation at the Clinic
- If you have dry eyes, blurred vision, or itching on the inner eyelids due to dust or foreign particles, avoid rinsing your eyes with tap water.
- If chemicals enter the eye and no saline or eye wash is available, rinse immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, then see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Prepare information about the chemical or foreign particle that entered the eye to help with diagnosis.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent further injury.
- Do not use eye drops or other substances without a doctor’s recommendation.
- Wear sunglasses to protect against bright light.
- If the eye is hit hard by an object, sharp or blunt, causing swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blurred vision, cover the eye, limit eye movement, and see a specialist immediately without rinsing the eye.
In my practice, I often see patients with foreign particles in the eye, most commonly dust that causes irritation. More serious cases involve metal fragments, which can cause corneal injuries and pose a significant risk to the patient’s vision. I evaluate the condition, perform eye irrigation, and provide antibiotic treatment to prevent severe infection. I also advise patients to wear protective eyewear while driving or working to prevent further eye injuries.
For more info and make appointment
Suphansa Niawbupha ,M.D.
General Practitioner
Latest edit : 12/09/2025 (The website has been updated)
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