A boric acid eye wash can be effective for flushing eyes exposed to grit or other foreign objects. You can also use it to ease dry, irritated, or burning eyes. Boric acid eye washes have been used for generations to cleanse irritated eyes and fight infection.
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This article will go over the uses of boric acid eye wash. You'll also learn about the risks and possible side effects.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
What Is Boric Acid Eye Wash?
Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate (H3BO3), is a weak acid derived from the mineral boron. It is widely used in over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptics and astringents. In its natural form, boric acid is a colorless or white crystal that can be finely ground into a powder and dissolved in water.
While toxic if you eat or drink it, boric acid has beneficial properties when used as an eyewash. Most boric acid eye washes are an isotonic saline solution (one that has the same amount of salt as your blood) made with purified water, sodium chloride (salt), and other ingredients.
The level of boric acid in an OTC eye wash is extremely low—generally around 0.02%. That means it poses no harm to the eyes or surrounding tissues.
According to the European Medicines Agency, each 50 microliter (mL) drop contains only around 0.004 milligrams (mg) of boron, well below the allowable limit of 1.0 mg per day.
Boric Acid Eye Wash Uses
There are many types of boric acid eyewashes you can get at the store. Most are used to cleanse and refresh the eyes when they are mildly irritated. Other boric acid eye washes, such as antihistamine eye drops like Visine-A or Opcon-A, support the treatment of an eye infection or other conditions.
Boric acid eye washes can be used to rinse foreign substances from the eye, including chlorinated water, dust, smoke, chemicals, and smog.
A boric acid eye wash can also be used to relieve eye irritation caused by:
Boric acid eye washes do not treat the underlying condition—they just ease your symptoms. This is especially true if you have fungal eye infections or severe allergy symptoms—both of which require different treatments.
While boric acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties, the actual effect is minimal at such low concentrations. If you think you have an eye infection, call your provider.
Boric Acid Eye Wash Benefits
Boric acid eye wash may have several benefits, including:
How to Use a Boric Acid Eye Wash: Step-by-Step
Depending on your need and the brand of solution used, a boric acid eye wash can be applied with an eye dropper or eyecup. Here's how to use boric acid eye wash.
Always read the product label and follow the instructions for the eye wash you choose. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure you know how to use them correctly.
Before Using a Boric Acid Eye Wash
Before you use a boric acid eye wash, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Using an Eyedropper
Some boric acid eye washes come with an eyedropper. Here are the steps for using these products:
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Using an Eye Cup
Boric eye washes can also come with an eye cup instead of a dropper. Here are the steps for using them:
It's best to use a disposable eyecup, but you can reuse a cup if you wash it thoroughly with hot water and soap. Just avoid touching the rim or inside of the cup with your fingers.
Boric Acid Eye Wash Side Effects
Boric acid eye drops are considered safe if used as directed. Some people may feel a slight tingling sensation or brief blurriness after using the eye wash. Any side effects of boric acid eye washes are usually mild and go away within a few seconds or minutes.
Stop using a boric acid eye wash and call your provider if the side effects don't get better or you have serious side effects like:
Allergic reactions to a boric acid eye wash are rare, but they can happen. Some people develop symptoms of contact dermatitis (redness, rash, inflammation) when they use boric acid eye washes.
Never use a boric acid eye wash with contact lens wetting solution or any other ophthalmologic solution that has polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This interaction can increase the pH balance of the eye wash and make it more acidic, which can irritate your eyes.
A Word From Verywell
Boric acid eye washes have been a mainstay of eye care for generations. While they do not treat eye infections, they can help relieve symptoms.
If you want to use boric acid eye wash, buy an over-the-counter (OTC) product rather than making your own eye wash at home. If you were to use the wrong amount of boric acid in the water or you contaminate it, you could seriously hurt your eyes.
Have you ever seen boric powder being used in your household to treat pink eye? Do you think it works? Read on to find out if safety of boric acid eye wash for conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a prevalent eye condition that can cause discomfort and irritation. Over the years, numerous home remedies have emerged as potential treatments for pink eye. One such remedy that has stood the test of time, according to my mom, is boric acid eye wash. My mom told me that she has seen boric acid in the form of eye drops being used for many years to treat conjunctivitis. Passed down through generations, this natural solution has gained popularity for its purported benefits. Let’s see if the experts think boric acid eye wash to treat conjunctivitis to be a safe treatment or not.
Conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants. The condition is characterized by redness, itchiness, watering, discharge and sometimes, blurry vision. While conjunctivitis often resolves on its own within a few days, treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of infection.
Also read: Eye problems: Is it an allergy or pink eye?
As Health Shots reached out to Dr Harshwardhan Ghorpade, Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital, he explained that boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a mild acid derived from the mineral boron. It has been widely used in non-prescription antiseptics and astringents due to its gentle yet effective properties. Boric acid eye washes, typically formulated as isotonic solutions, contain a low concentration of boric acid (around 0.02%), purified water, sodium chloride, and other ingredients.
Here are some of the benefits of using boric acid wash to treat conjunctivitis as explained by Dr Ghorpade:
1. Antiseptic Properties: Boric acid eye washes possess mild antiseptic properties that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of mild eye infections.
2. Compatibility with Eye Tonicity: The composition of boric acid eye wash drops is similar to the natural chemistry of the eyes. This makes it suitable for irrigation without disrupting the essential chemicals present in eye fluid.
3. Acts as a Buffering Agent: Boric acid acts as a buffering agent, maintaining the pH balance of the eye wash solution. This allows for the incorporation of other active or inactive ingredients without altering its pH level.
Also read: My mom says using gulab jal for eyes can keep them clean and healthy
Boric acid eye washes are useful for rinsing foreign substances from the eyes, such as chlorinated water, dust, smoke, chemicals, and smog. They can also provide relief from eye irritation caused by eye allergies, dry eye syndrome (xerophthalmia), conjunctivitis (pink eye) infections, and Sjögren syndrome, which can cause dry eyes.
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PERSONALISE NOW“It is important to note that boric acid eye washes do not treat the underlying cause of conjunctivitis; they just primarily provide relief from symptoms,” says Dr Ghorpade. He further explains that while boric acid does possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, its effectiveness at such low concentrations is limited. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment if you suspect an eye infection.
Before using a boric acid eye wash for conjunctivitis, it is essential to keep the following considerations in mind:
1. Remove contact lenses: Prior to using an eye wash, remove contact lenses to avoid potential adverse effects. Some solutions may contain preservatives that can be absorbed by the lenses, causing discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye wash before reinserting your contacts.
2. Avoid open wounds or sores: If there are sores or open wounds in or around the eyes, it is best to avoid using the boric acid eye wash in those areas.
3. Check expiration date: Never use an eye wash that is cloudy or past its expiration date, as it may not be effective and could potentially cause further irritation.
All said and done, boric acid eye wash should not be seen as an effective treatment to treat conjunctivitis. These eye washes can provide temporary relief from symptoms and aid in rinsing foreign substances. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of conjunctivitis. They can provide expert advice and recommend suitable medications or therapies to address the specific cause of the condition.
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