The sensation of an eyelash in the eye can be intensely irritating, triggering an immediate and involuntary tearing response. Even though an eyelash is small and soft, its presence on the sensitive surface of the eye, particularly the cornea, can feel disproportionately large. The body’s reflex to produce tears and blink rapidly is a built-in defense mechanism designed to wash away the foreign object quickly and naturally. When this fails, a careful, methodical approach is required to prevent further irritation or damage.
Step-by-Step Eyelash Removal Techniques
The first and gentlest step is to encourage your eye’s natural flushing action by blinking repeatedly and looking in different directions. This movement may help dislodge the lash, allowing tears to carry it toward the inner corner of the eye for easy removal. If this does not succeed, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria into the eye before proceeding.
Flushing the eye directly is the next most effective technique, using clean, lukewarm water or a sterile saline solution. You can gently pour the liquid over the eye while tilting your head to the side, allowing the stream to wash across the eye’s surface. Another method involves using a clean eyecup or a small, clean glass positioned over the eye socket, then blinking into the solution.
If the eyelash is visible on the white of the eye or under the eyelid after flushing, you can attempt gentle removal. Moisten the tip of a clean cotton swab or the corner of a clean tissue with water or saline. Carefully touch the tip to the eyelash so that the lash sticks to the material, then lift it away, making sure to avoid touching the eyeball itself.
Essential Eye Safety Warnings
Rubbing the irritated eye must be strictly avoided. Rubbing can scratch the delicate corneal surface, leading to a painful abrasion, or push the eyelash deeper under the eyelid, making it harder to remove. Never use fingers, tweezers, or any other sharp or rigid object near the eye to pick out the lash, as this risks serious injury.
If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before attempting to flush the eye. Using non-sterile tap water for flushing while wearing contacts carries a risk of introducing microorganisms like Acanthamoeba into the eye, which can cause a severe and difficult-to-treat infection known as keratitis. Opt for sterile saline or an eyewash solution instead.
When Immediate Medical Attention Is Required
If you have successfully removed the eyelash but continue to feel persistent pain or the sensation that something is still present, seek professional medical attention. This lingering feeling often indicates that the object has caused a minor corneal scratch or abrasion, which may require examination and treatment to prevent infection.
Immediate consultation is necessary if you experience changes in vision, such as blurriness or light sensitivity, or if excessive redness, swelling, or discharge develops and does not improve within a few hours.