How to Use Boric Acid for Eye Wash

Is your eye bothering you? If you have ruled out a serious condition, a boric acid eye wash will clean your eye and help clear out an infection like conjunctivitis. If the problem persists for more than a few days, or if your vision changes, contact your eye doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Medicinal grade boric acid
• Eye cup or eye dropper
• Water
• Towel

Instructions

1. Sterilize the eye cup or eye dropper by leaving it in boiling water for 10 minutes. Boil a pint of water for 10 minutes.

2. Mix 1/8 tsp. of boric acid into 1 cup sterilized water. Allow the water to cool.

3. Strain the mixture through a coffee filter, gauze or cheesecloth.

4. If using an eye cup, fill the cup and lower your eye onto it. Blink and roll your eye around for one minute. If your eye isn't submerged, standing over a sink, tuck a towel around your neck, hold the cup firmly to your eye and tip your head back carefully so that your eye is completely covered. Roll your eye and blink for one minute.

5. If using an eyedropper, squeeze the rubber bulb on the top of the dropper. Then dip the open end into the eye wash. Release the top so the stopper fills. Tip your head back and squeeze the bulb to release the fluid. Repeat several times.

6. Repeat up to three times a day. Use fresh solution and sterilize your tools each time.

Resources

• Information about conjunctivitis