For burns to the eyes, which irrigation direction is recommended?

• A. Irrigate medial to lateral.
• B. Irrigate lateral to medial.
• C. Irrigate from the outer canthus inward.
• D. Irrigate in a circular motion.

Answer: (A)

Direct irrigation from the inner corner of the eye (medial canthus) toward the outer corner (lateral canthus) is best. This flow direction washes the chemical across the ocular surface and away from the tear drainage openings, reducing the chance that irritants enter the nasolacrimal duct or spread to the other eye. Irrigating the other way would push material toward the tear ducts, increasing contamination risk, and rinsing in a circular motion doesn’t effectively move the contaminant across the surface for thorough flushing. In practice, use clean saline and continue rinsing until the eye feels better and, if possible, pH is neutralized.