Boric Acid Eye Wash

Boric acid, also known as acidum boricum, boracic acid or orthoboric acid is used in products that are antiseptic and insecticidal in nature. It is available in the form of colorless crystals or white powder, both of which are water soluble. It can be easily procured from pharmacies or drugstores. There are many eye irritations, like dryness, redness, watering eyes or burning and itching sensations that can be alleviated with the use of boric acid eye wash. However, a word of caution: As the eyes are delicate, any medicine or solution used upon or in them should only be done after consulting an ophthalmologist. DO NOT use it without supervision. This article is only meant to give you information about boric acid and its uses in eye care. Read more on eye problems.

Boric Acid as an Eye Wash
Boric acid has mild anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is a component of eye care solutions meant to cleanse or irrigate the eyes. It helps clear the eyes of pollutants such as dust and other chemicals and provides soothing relief from eye irritation. One of the common eye infections, conjunctivitis, also known as the pink eye which is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, is treated with boric acid to relieve and soothe the eyes.

Boric acid eye wash should not be used by people who are allergic to boric acid. While using a boric acid eye solution, bear in mind that it is only meant for eye use and not for any other part. One must be careful not to get the solution into the mouth, ears or nose. If one has a wound close to the eye or any abrasion, avoid the use of boric acid eye wash. Those who use contact lenses should remove them before using boric acid eye wash. If you are using some other eye solution (for some eye infection), then use boric acid after informing the ophthalmologist, since the properties of boric acid and the solution you are using may contradict with each other, resulting in a disaster.

Boric acid eye wash is mostly given in an eye cup. Hold the eye cup close to the eyes, bend the head forward and kind of immerse the infected eye in the eye wash. Make sure the eyes are open wide. Move the eyeballs in all directions and then, keeping the eye immersed in the eye cup, tip it gently to irrigate it. Stand close to the sink and let the eye wash flow over. Dry clean the eye / eyes with a dry soft towel (never rub it) and just lie on your back for five to ten minutes. Repeat the procedure as per the number of times it has been prescribed. As with all medications, store the solution away from heat and moisture.

How to make Boric Acid Eye Wash
Boric acid eye solutions are easy to make. Make sure you are using the pharmaceutical grade boric acid powder. The amount of boric acid powder used to make an eye wash depends upon the type and severity of the eye irritation.

• Mild Eye Infections: Take ¼ teaspoon of powdered golden seal and ¼ teaspoon of boric acid powder and mix in 1 pint of very hot water. When the water cools down completely, strain and store in sterilized bottle. Use as per requirement.
• Moderate Eye Infections: Mix one teaspoon of boric acid powder into one quart of sterile water. Mix well and store in a clean bottle.
• Serious Eye Infections: A pink eye can be cleaned using a solution comprising of 1 teaspoon of boric acid powder and four ounces of saline water.

Read more on other boric acid uses.

As mentioned earlier, any use of boric acid eye wash should be done after consultation with a doctor. For those who want to make their own solution, make sure you store it in a sterilized bottle. Any contamination in the bottle will contaminate the solution and may further aggravate the eyes.