To safely get something out of your eye, follow these expert-recommended steps:
- Do Not Rub Your Eye
Avoid rubbing, as this can cause irritation or embed the object deeper
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Clean hands prevent infection when touching your eye
- Blink Repeatedly
Blinking produces tears that can naturally flush out small debris like dust, sand, or eyelashes
- Flush Your Eye with Clean Water or Saline
Use a gentle stream of clean, lukewarm water, saline solution, or artificial tears to rinse your eye. You can use an eyecup, a small clean glass, or immerse your eye in a shallow container of water and blink several times
- Check Under Your Eyelids
If the object is stuck under the eyelid, carefully lift the upper eyelid over the lower one or gently pull the eyelid away from the eye. Flushing with water or eye drops can help dislodge the object. You may use a moistened cotton swab very gently to remove the object if visible, but avoid poking the eyeball
- Use a Mirror and Good Lighting
This helps locate the object for removal
- Seek Medical Attention If Needed
If you cannot remove the object, if it is embedded, or if you experience severe pain, vision changes, or persistent irritation, see an eye doctor immediately
Additional Tips:
- Remove contact lenses before attempting to flush or remove the object
- Avoid using tap water if possible; sterile saline or artificial tears are preferable
- Do not use your fingers directly to remove the object unless absolutely necessary and hands are clean
- Stay calm throughout the process to avoid worsening the irritation
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove most foreign objects from your eye while minimizing the risk of injury or infection.
