Final answer:
The most common ophthalmic irrigating solution is physiological saline. Physiological saline is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water that has the same concentration as the sodium chloride in our bodies. It is used to irrigate and flush the eyes during ophthalmic procedures and to provide hydration to the ocular surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common ophthalmic irrigating solution is physiological saline. Physiological saline, also known as normal saline, is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water that has the same concentration as the sodium chloride in our bodies. It is used to irrigate and flush the eyes during ophthalmic procedures and to provide hydration to the ocular surface.
Physiological saline is isotonic, meaning it has the same concentration of solutes as the cells and tissues of the eye. This is important because an isotonic solution helps maintain the normal balance of fluids and electrolytes in the eye, preventing cell damage and swelling.
When you purchase a 25 mL bottle of contact lens saline solution, you are buying a solution that matches the physiological saline concentration. The gram amount of sodium chloride in this solution would depend on the concentration, but if it is prepared to match the physiological concentration of 0.16 M, you would have bought approximately 1.34 grams of sodium chloride.