The sensation of an eyelash caught in the eye is a common, intensely irritating experience. Even a small, soft hair can feel like a large, abrasive object because the cornea has a high concentration of sensory nerve endings. Fortunately, removing this foreign body is typically a simple process that can be managed safely at home with careful attention to hygiene and technique. Caution helps prevent the eyelash from scratching the cornea or introducing bacteria that could lead to infection.
Preparing for Safe Eyelash Removal
Before attempting any removal method, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This minimizes the risk of introducing dirt, oil, or bacteria into the irritated eye. Resist the impulse to rub the affected eye, as this action can push the eyelash further under the eyelid or cause a corneal abrasion.
Stand in front of a well-lit mirror to locate the eyelash. Gently pull the lower eyelid down while looking up, then lift the upper lid while looking down to expose the entire surface of the eye. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately, as the lash might be trapped underneath the lens or contribute to the irritation.
Step-by-Step Flushing Techniques
Flushing is the preferred first line of defense, using liquid to gently float the irritant out. Start by blinking rapidly, which stimulates natural tear production, the eye’s built-in mechanism for washing away foreign particles. If natural tears are insufficient, apply sterile saline solution or artificial tears directly to the eye to lubricate the surface and flush the eyelash toward the inner corner.
For more extensive irrigation, fill a clean eyewash cup or small drinking glass with sterile saline or clean, lukewarm tap water. Tilt your head forward and press the rim of the cup against the bone at the base of your eye socket, creating a seal. Slowly tilt your head back, keeping your eye open within the liquid, and blink repeatedly to wash the surface of the eye.
Another technique uses a gentle stream of water, such as from a shower or faucet. Hold the affected eye open and aim the water stream at your forehead, allowing the lukewarm water to cascade over the eye rather than directly into it. Continue rinsing until the sensation of the foreign body is gone, then pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Manual Removal Methods if Flushing Fails
If flushing fails, a controlled manual technique can be attempted, but extreme care is required to avoid touching the cornea. If the eyelash is visible on the white of the eye or the inner surface of the lower eyelid, use a clean, damp cotton swab or the corner of a clean cloth or tissue. Moisten the tip of the tool with sterile saline to help the eyelash adhere to the material.
Gently touch the eyelash itself with the moistened tool and lift it away from the eye’s surface. Avoid making contact with the clear dome of the cornea, as this can cause injury. If the eyelash is suspected to be under the upper eyelid, gently pull the upper lid out and down over the lower lid, then blink several times; the lower lashes may brush the irritant free. Stop immediately if sharp pain or increased redness occurs.
When to Seek Professional Care
Most eyelashes are removed easily, but if the sensation of having something in your eye persists for more than a few hours after removal, seek medical attention. Immediate care is necessary if you experience persistent or severe pain, blurred vision, or increasing sensitivity to light. These symptoms could indicate a corneal abrasion, a scratch on the surface of the eye that requires evaluation to prevent infection. Any bleeding from the eye or an object that appears embedded in the tissue also requires immediate professional medical attention.