Is Glycerine safe or appropriate to use as an eye lubricant and protectant? My girlfriend feels as if she has something in her eye, and its rather bothersome. Her eye is reddened from the irritation and rubbing, but does not show any exudate or otherwise appear infected. She tried flushing w/ H2O and I tried earlier with sterile saline, but to no avail. It is the weekend, and we live in a small town, and going to an ophthalmologist will be difficult to do before next week.