Boric Acid and Eyes

Back in the days of your great-grandmother, home remedies for common illnesses were widespread. Boric acid was cheap and widely available. It is a white crystal substance with antiseptic and antifungal properties. Boric acid has many other uses, but it made its way into American homes mainly as an eyewash to soothe irritations and reduce inflammation.

About Boric Acid

• Boric acid is a mineral compound made of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. Found mainly around dried salt beds and deserts, boric acid looks much like table salt. The use of boric acid as a preservative and antiseptic goes back to the time of Ancient Greece although the compound wasn't patented for commercial use until 1702, by Wilhelm Homberg.

Boric Acid as an Eyewash

• Boric acid is a mild acid and when diluted can treat conditions such as mild irritation and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Any irritation from dust, environmental pollution, or viruses can be soothed with a mild 1.5 percent boric acid solution.

Boric Acid Use on Pets

• Boric acid is also safe to use on pets, and many veterinarians recommend a weak boric acid solution to treat conjunctivitis (red eye) in cats or eye irritation in dogs from hanging their heads out the window while riding in the car.

How to Make a Boric Acid Solution

• Medicinal-quality boric acid can be purchased at drugstores and discount stores like Walmart. To make a weak solution of boric acid for an eyewash, bring one quart of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of medicinal-quality boric acid and dissolve thoroughly. Let it cool to room temperature, then pour ¼ of the solution into a small, clean container for immediate use. Soak a clean cotton ball in the small amount of solution and carefully wipe the affected eye, making sure to thoroughly soak the eye tissues. Throw away the cotton ball and repeat using a new cotton ball. Repeat twice daily. The eye should improve in 2-3 days.

Using Boric Acid Solution in an Eyecup

• Pour a small amount of the mixed solution into an eyecup and stand over a sink. Bend over, placing the eyecup to the eye, holding firmly. Tilt your head back, holding the cup to the eye. Move your eyeball around to get the solution into all the surfaces of the eye. Bend over the sink again and remove the eyecup, allowing the solution to drip into the sink.

Safety Precautions

• Do not use a boric acid solution if you have an allergy to boric acid. Put the remaining solution into a sealed bottle or jar and store it at room temperature. Keep it closed when not in use and take care not to contaminate any remaining solution. Do not use a stronger solution than recommended. If there is an increase in inflammation or discomfort in the eye, see your doctor immediately and tell him you have used the boric acid solution. Keep the solution away from children and pets.