During a Modified Bed Bath for the face and one arm, which procedure is correct for washing the eyes?

• A. Wash eyes with a wet washcloth, no soap, using a fresh area of cloth for each stroke, from inner to outer, then wash the face.
• B. Wash eyes with water and soap using the same area of cloth.
• C. Wipe eyes with a dry cloth only.
• D. Rinse eyes by pouring water directly into eyes.

Answer: (A)

Washing the eyes during a Modified Bed Bath uses plain, clean water on a damp washcloth, not soap. Use a fresh section of cloth for each stroke and move from the inner corner toward the outer eye. This inner-to-outer direction helps keep any debris from being dragged into the tear ducts, and using a fresh cloth prevents recontaminating the eye area. Soap can irritate the eyes, so it’s avoided around the eye area. After the eyes are cleaned, proceed to wash the face. Wiping with a dry cloth, pouring water directly into the eyes, or using soap near the eyes aren’t appropriate because they don’t protect the eye from irritation or contamination and can cause discomfort.