When a foreign object or substance — such as an eyelash, sand, or shampoo — gets in your eye, it can cause pain, redness, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Understanding how to get something out of your eye is crucial for preventing eye infection and damage.
This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to get something out of your eye. It also explains what you can do when debris gets trapped underneath your upper eyelid, how to prevent eye injuries, and when to seek help.
If dirt or an eyelash gets in your eye, the eyes will naturally produce tears to flush it out. Try blinking multiple times to see if this works. If a foreign body is embedded in your eye, it is crucial to flush the eye and seek immediate medical assistance.
If this doesn’t provide relief, you might try removing the dirt or eyelash by following these steps:
Other tips to keep in mind include:
It may be tempting to rub your eyelids while you’re trying to get something out of your eye. However, it’s best to avoid doing this as it can scratch your eye and cause further damage.
If these initial steps have been unsuccessful in removing something stuck in your eye, or you have embedded debris or chemicals in your eye, immediately flush out your eyes and seek medical attention.
If available, an emergency eyewash station is ideal for flushing your eyes to remove an object or substance.
But if you don’t have access to an eyewash station, you can use lukewarm tap water, bottled water, saline solution, or artificial tears.
To use tap water, turn on the faucet, lean over the sink, and tilt the affected eye downward, so the object doesn’t make its way to the other eye. This also allows water to flow from one side of your eye to the other.
You can flush your eyes under a low-pressure shower if there isn’t enough space under the faucet, but tilt your head so the water runs into your eyes at an angle.
If you prefer, you could also fill a container with water or saline solution and pour it over your eye, again at an angle.
Continue flushing your eye for around 10 to 15 minutes. You may need to flush it a little longer if removing a chemical substance. See a doctor as soon as possible if a chemical gets in your eye and bring the container holding the chemical.
When you feel like something is in your eye, but it isn’t visible, it could mean the object is stuck beneath your upper eyelid.
Try pulling your eyelid downward to see if the object dislodges as your eyelid moves back to its normal position.
If nothing happens, lift your eyelid and flush the area beneath with water or saline solution to help remove the debris from your eye. Again, do not rub your eyes.
Seek help from your eye doctor or another medical professional if this does not provide relief.
If you're unsure how to get something out of your eye, especially if it’s metal, glass, or wood, seek immediate medical attention. This also includes situations where you may have had something stuck in your eye for days.
If a chemical liquid has entered your eye, take the bottle or container with you. This can help the medical team as they assess your eye for damage.
Make sure to let them know if you’re in pain or have developed vision problems.
You should also get medical help if you can’t get your contact lenses out of your eyes. Doctors may use eye-safe dyes to help find the contact lens in your eye so it can be removed.
Immediately seek emergency services if you have:
To locate and remove the object, your eye doctor may perform an upper eyelid eversion (flip it inside out). You may also be asked to look in different directions as they try to spot the foreign object. Your doctor may apply a local anesthetic before removing the foreign body.
They may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drops to reduce your risk of eye infection.
Many eye injuries, including damage from having something stuck in your eye, can be prevented by wearing safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield. They are designed to help protect your eyes from debris, chemical and fluid splashes, fumes, and certain other dangers.
Eye safety should also be practiced at home. Household products, such as bleach, account for 125,000 eye-related injuries annually.
Here’s what you can do to help safeguard your and your children’s eyes from injuries at home:
Getting something stuck in your eye is always unpleasant. But it’s important to take the proper steps to remove it safely. When in doubt or unable to remove it on your own, contact an eye care professional for help.