Discovering a fallen eyelash irritating a baby’s eye is a common and often distressing event for parents. While the eye’s natural defense mechanisms, like tearing and blinking, often work to clear out small foreign bodies, sometimes a gentle intervention is necessary. Infant eyes are extremely delicate and sensitive, making a calm and cautious approach paramount to avoid causing a corneal abrasion or introducing infection. The primary goal of any home intervention is to remove the obstruction without touching the transparent dome of the eye, known as the cornea.
Preparing for Safe Removal
Before attempting any removal, preparation is necessary to ensure safety and hygiene. Begin by washing your hands meticulously with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the transfer of bacteria into the baby’s eye. Good lighting is also essential; move the baby to a well-lit area or use a small flashlight to clearly locate the eyelash.
Securing the baby is important, as sudden movements can lead to accidental injury. Gently swaddling an infant or having another adult hold the baby’s head steady can help minimize unexpected jolts. Perform a quick initial assessment to determine if the eyelash is simply floating on the tear film or if it appears to be caught under the eyelid. Never proceed if the eye appears swollen, bleeding, or if the foreign body seems embedded in the colored or white part of the eye.
Step-by-Step Removal Techniques
The least invasive approach should always be the first attempt, relying on the eye’s natural clearing process. A gentle stream of liquid can often flush the eyelash out of the eye. Use a clean eye dropper or a small, clean cup to administer sterile saline solution, or cooled, boiled water. Direct the liquid toward the inner corner of the eye so it washes across the surface and out toward the outer corner. For babies under six months, some parents may choose to use a drop of breast milk, which contains protective antibodies, but this should not be a substitute for medical care if irritation persists.
If flushing does not work, the next step depends on the eyelash’s location. If the lash is visible on the lower inner lid, gently pull the lower eyelid down. If the baby is old enough, ask them to look up. Use the corner of a clean, damp, soft cloth or a moistened cotton swab to gently draw the eyelash out, ensuring only the lash is touched and the eyeball is completely avoided.
For an eyelash believed to be lodged under the upper lid, encourage the baby to blink several times, or try a sweeping technique. Gently pull the upper eyelid down over the lower lashes, holding it for a few seconds before releasing. The lower lashes may act like a soft brush, sweeping the foreign object off the underside of the upper lid. Under no circumstances should you use dry tissues, your fingernails, tweezers, or any sharp object near the baby’s eye, as this significantly increases the risk of scratching the cornea.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most eyelashes are removed quickly and without complication, parents must know the signs that indicate a possible injury or underlying issue. Seek immediate medical attention if the baby’s eye irritation, excessive tearing, or pain persists for more than an hour after the removal attempt. This continued discomfort may suggest a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the eye’s surface that requires professional evaluation and sometimes antibiotic drops.
Look for specific red flags that signal a need for urgent care. These include a child who refuses to open the affected eye or displays extreme sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. The presence of yellow or green discharge, or increasing redness, can indicate an infection like conjunctivitis, which will need a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. If the eyelash cannot be seen but the baby keeps rubbing the eye, or if the foreign body appears to be embedded, a pediatric ophthalmologist should be consulted right away.