What Do I Do If I Get Poop in My Eye: A Comprehensive Guide

It's an unfortunate and understandably alarming situation to get poop in your eye. This isn't just a messy inconvenience; it carries a genuine risk of infection and irritation. Prompt and proper action is crucial to minimize potential harm. This article will walk you through exactly what you need to do, step-by-step, to address this situation safely and effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

The very first thing you should do is remain as calm as possible. Panicking can make it harder to think clearly and act effectively. The goal is to remove the foreign material and prevent further contamination.

Do Not Rub Your Eye: This is the most critical piece of advice. Rubbing can spread the fecal matter, potentially introducing bacteria deeper into the eye or onto other parts of your face. It can also cause abrasions to the delicate surface of your eye.
Secure the Area: If possible, move to a clean area where you can easily access water and a mirror. If it happened in a public place, try to find a restroom.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Before you do anything else with your eye, wash your hands with soap and water. This is to prevent transferring any bacteria from your hands to your eye or other surfaces.

How to Cleanse Your Eye

The primary method for cleaning your eye is through flushing with clean water. This needs to be done gently but thoroughly.

Using Clean Water

The best way to flush your eye is with lukewarm, clean water. Here’s how:

Option 1: Running Water (Sink or Shower):
1. Lean your head over a sink with the affected eye facing downwards.
2. Gently pull your upper eyelid up and your lower eyelid down to open your eye wide.
3. Carefully run a gentle stream of lukewarm water from the tap over the inner corner of your eye, allowing the water to flow across the eyeball and out the outer corner.
4. Continue flushing for at least 15-20 minutes. This prolonged flushing is essential to wash away as much of the fecal matter as possible.
Option 2: Eyecup or Small Container:
1. Fill an eyecup or a clean, small container (like a shot glass or a small bowl) with lukewarm, clean water.
2. Lean your head back slightly and hold the eyecup firmly against your eye socket, creating a seal.
3. Gently tilt your head to the side, allowing the water to fill the eyecup and wash over your eye.
4. Blink your eye several times within the water.
5. Continue this process for at least 15-20 minutes, refilling the eyecup as needed with fresh, clean water.
Option 3: Saline Solution:
1. If you have sterile saline solution (like that used for contact lenses), it can be used for flushing.
2. Follow the same procedure as with clean water, using the saline solution.
3. Continue flushing for at least 15-20 minutes.

Important Note: Do NOT use tap water that has not been boiled and cooled, or bottled water that is not sterile, if you are in an area where tap water quality is questionable. In such cases, sterile saline solution is the safest option. If you don't have sterile saline, boiling and cooling tap water is preferable to using potentially contaminated water.

When to Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even after thorough flushing, it is highly recommended to seek medical attention. Fecal matter contains a wide variety of bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or even more severe corneal infections. These infections can threaten your vision if not treated promptly.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Persistent redness or irritation
Pain in your eye
Blurred vision or changes in your vision
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Discharge from the eye (pus-like or watery)
Feeling like something is still in your eye

Where to go:

Your Primary Care Physician: They can assess the situation and refer you to an ophthalmologist if necessary.
An Urgent Care Center: These centers are equipped to handle immediate medical needs.
An Emergency Room (ER): If your symptoms are severe or you cannot access other medical facilities quickly, go to the nearest ER.
An Ophthalmologist: If you have a regular eye doctor, call them immediately. They are specialists in eye care.

What to Expect at the Doctor's Office

When you see a medical professional, they will likely:

Ask about how the incident occurred and when.
Examine your eye, possibly using a special microscope called a slit lamp.
They may also take a sample of any discharge to send for laboratory testing to identify any specific bacteria.
Treatment will likely involve antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent or treat infection. In some cases, other medications might be prescribed.

Prevention is Key

While this guide focuses on what to do if it happens, it's worth mentioning that prevention is always the best approach. Be extra cautious when handling diapers, especially around babies and young children. Ensure good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, particularly after diaper changes or cleaning up after pets.

The most crucial takeaway is to avoid rubbing your eye and to flush it thoroughly with clean water for an extended period. Following this with a visit to a medical professional is paramount to ensure no infection develops and to protect your vision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should I flush my eye if I get poop in it?

You should flush your eye with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This prolonged flushing is essential to wash away as much of the fecal matter and potential bacteria as possible.

Why is it so important to see a doctor after getting poop in my eye?

Fecal matter contains numerous bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or corneal infections. These infections can potentially lead to vision loss if not treated promptly with appropriate medication, typically antibiotic eye drops or ointments.

Can I use contact lens solution to flush my eye?

Yes, sterile saline solution, like that used for contact lenses, is a safe and effective option for flushing your eye if it is readily available. If tap water quality is a concern, sterile saline is preferable.

What if I don't have access to clean water or saline solution immediately?

If you are in a situation where clean water or saline is not immediately accessible, try to cover your eye loosely with a clean cloth and get to a place where you can flush it as soon as possible. Avoid touching or rubbing your eye. Seek medical attention promptly.