| FIELD OF APPLICATION | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Purified water |
| Active Ingredient | Purified water |
| US Brand Names | Pur-Wash, Collyrium, Bausch & Lomb Eye Wash (US generic available as Sterile Purified Water Ophthalmic Solution) |
| Drug Category | Ophthalmology / Emergency Medicine / First Aid |
| Drug Class | Ophthalmic Irrigating Solution / Ocular Wash |
| Route of Administration | Ophthalmic Solution (Eye Wash / Irrigation) |
| FDA Approval Status | FDA approved (September 2011) Approved |
Purified Water Overview
Purified water ophthalmic solution is a sterile, prescription and over the counter medical preparation used within our Clinic (General Medicine), emergency departments, and eye care clinics. It is used primarily as an eye wash (eyewash/irrigation solution) to clear away loose foreign materials, dust, air pollutants, or chemical splashes from the eye.
What Is Purified Water & How Does It Work?
Purified water for ophthalmic use is water that has been processed to remove impurities, chemicals, bacteria, and particulate matter to meet strict sterile medical standards.
When foreign objects, dust, smoke, chlorinated pool water, or chemicals enter the eye, they irritate the delicate surface of the cornea and conjunctiva. Purified water works through mechanical flushing. When applied generously to the eye, the continuous flow of liquid physically washes away loose debris, harmful chemicals, and surface irritants, providing immediate relief and reducing the risk of tissue damage.
Is Purified Water FDA Approved?
Yes, purified water ophthalmic solution is officially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
What Is Purified Water Used For?
- Flushing loose foreign materials (such as dirt, dust, pollen, or ragweed) out of the eye.
- Emergency first aid rinsing of chemical splashes or irritants from the eye surface.
- Soothing minor eye irritation caused by smog, chlorinated water, or environmental dust.
Before Taking Purified Water: Contraindications & Precautions
While purified water is a simple liquid, proper emergency protocol must be followed depending on the type of eye injury.
Who Should Not Use Purified Water?
- Individuals with an open wound, puncture, or embedded object in the eye. Embedded objects require immediate surgical evaluation rather than flushing.
- Anyone with a known severe hypersensitivity or reaction to any added inactive components (such as preservatives or buffering agents in specific commercial brands).
Purified Water, Pregnancy & Fertility
- Sterile purified water eye wash is entirely safe for use during pregnancy. It does not contain active systemically absorbed drugs.
- It is safe for use by nursing mothers.
- There are no negative effects on human fertility from using sterile eye irrigating solutions.
Tell Your Doctor Before Using Purified Water
- Disclose if an object has deeply penetrated or scratched your eye.
- Mention if your eye pain, redness, or vision changes continue after flushing.
- Inform your provider if the exposure involved strong industrial chemicals, acids, or alkalis.
- Share if you wear contact lenses or have recently had eye surgery.
Purified Water Dosage & Administration
Using proper technique ensures effective flushing without introducing new contaminants to the eye.
Standard Purified Water Dosing
- For routine eye flushing of loose debris: Use a generous stream of solution to wash out the affected eye until the foreign material is removed.
- For chemical emergency flushing: Irrigate the affected eye continuously for at least 15 to 20 minutes before seeking immediate emergency medical care.
How Purified Water Is Administered
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling the bottle or eye cup.
- Avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye, eyelids, hands, or any surface to maintain sterility.
- Tilt your head, pull down the lower eyelid, and direct a gentle stream of fluid across the eye from the inner corner near the nose toward the outer corner.
- Allow the liquid to drain freely away from the face.
Purified Water Clinical Efficacy & Research
Clinical practice guidelines in emergency medicine and ophthalmology establish immediate ocular irrigation as the primary critical intervention for chemical splashes and foreign debris. Research confirms that rapid, continuous flushing with sterile irrigating solutions like purified water significantly dilutes harmful agents, normalizes tissue surface pH, and prevents long-term corneal damage or blindness.
Purified Water Side Effects & Safety Profile
This medication does not have an FDA Black Box Warning.
Purified water eye wash is non-toxic, but improper use or underlying eye trauma can cause symptoms.
Purified Water Severe Warnings
Do not use non-sterile tap water or home-purified water to flush eyes unless it is a life-threatening chemical emergency and no sterile solution is available, as tap water can carry dangerous parasites like Acanthamoeba. If using a sterile commercial eye wash bottle, do not continue flushing an eye if an object is embedded in the eyeball.
Purified Water Common Side Effects
- Brief, mild stinging or sensation of coolness upon initial flushing.
- Temporary blurred vision immediately after applying large amounts of liquid.
- Mild redness from the physical flushing process.
Serious Purified Water Adverse Events
- Severe, persistent eye pain or worsening redness.
- Permanent vision changes or loss of sight following an injury.
- Signs of an eye infection (cloudy discharge, severe swelling, fever) developing after the flushing.
- Chemical burns that continue to damage tissue despite flushing.
Managing Purified Water Side Effects
Temporary blurry vision right after flushing is normal and resolves as excess fluid drains away. If eye redness, swelling, or pain worsens after flushing, or if you were exposed to chemicals or embedded debris, stop using the product and seek emergency medical evaluation immediately.
Interactions & What to Avoid
Purified water does not contain active pharmacologic agents, but timing with other eye medicines is important.
Purified Water Interactions
- If you use prescription eye drops (such as antibiotics or glaucoma medications), flushing your eye with purified water will wash the medication out. Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes after flushing before applying prescription eye drops.
Food & Alcohol
- Food intake does not interact with topical eye irrigation solutions.
- Alcohol consumption does not alter the physical flushing action of sterile eye wash.
Purified Water Missed Dose, Overdose & Storage
Proper handling prevents contamination of opened bottles.
Missed Dose of Purified Water
This product is used only as needed for flushing or emergency eye washing, so missed dose rules do not apply.
Purified Water Overdose & Emergency
You cannot overdose on topical sterile purified water used for flushing. However, excessive prolonged flushing with plain unbuffered water can cause temporary swelling of the corneal cells. If discomfort occurs, allow the eye to rest and consult a doctor.
How to Store Purified Water
Store at room temperature away from excessive heat. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Discard any remaining solution after the package expiration date or within the timeframe specified on the bottle once opened.
Purified Water Patient Management & Monitoring
Observation of the eye after flushing helps catch underlying injuries early.
Tests Before Starting Purified Water
- Visual inspection of the eye for embedded objects or severe physical trauma.
- pH testing of the eye surface in hospital emergency settings following chemical exposure.
Monitoring During Purified Water Routine
- Monitoring for complete removal of foreign particles.
- Assessment of visual clarity and pain levels after irrigation is complete.
- Fluorescein stain examination by a healthcare professional to check for corneal scratches.
Purified Water Do’s and Don’t’s
- Do remove contact lenses before flushing the eye.
- Do seek immediate emergency medical help after flushing if exposed to dangerous chemicals.
- Don’t touch the nozzle or bottle tip to your eye or skin.
- Don’t reuse disposable single-use eye wash cups or bottles once opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular tap water instead of purified water to wash my eyes?
You should use sterile purified water or saline solutions made for the eye whenever possible. Tap water can contain microscopic organisms like Acanthamoeba that cause severe eye infections. However, in an emergency involving a dangerous chemical splash, use any clean water source immediately if sterile eye wash is not at hand.
Should I remove my contact lenses before using this eye wash?
Yes. You should remove your contact lenses before flushing your eye. Trapped foreign particles or chemicals can get caught under the lens, and flushing with the lens in place may prevent complete cleaning.
Can I use this solution to store my contact lenses?
No. Purified water ophthalmic solution is meant for flushing the eye only. It does not contain the proper disinfectant or salt balance required to clean, disinfect, or store contact lenses safely.
How long should I flush my eye if I get a chemical in it?
For chemical splashes (like household cleaners, bleach, or lawn products), irrigate the eye continuously for at least 15 to 20 minutes with a steady stream of water, and have someone call emergency services right away.
Is purified water the same as normal saline eye drops?
No. Normal saline contains a specific balance of salt (0.9% sodium chloride) to match your natural tears. Purified water does not contain salt. While both flush the eye effectively, saline is slightly more comfortable for routine irrigation.
What should I do if the object in my eye does not flush out?
If foreign material remains in your eye after gentle flushing, or if you feel like something is still scratching your eye, do not rub it. Cover the eye gently with a clean cloth and see an eye doctor or visit an emergency room immediately.
Does purified water eye wash contain preservatives?
Some multi-dose bottles contain mild preservatives to keep the solution sterile after opening, while single-use containers are typically preservative-free. Always check the specific product label for preservative information.
References
- U.S. FDA – Purified Water Ophthalmic Solution Prescribing Information
- U.S. FDA Drugs@FDA – Drug Approval Overview
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) – First Aid for Eye Emergencies
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider at any hospital or any local clinic before starting or stopping any medication.
