Getting a stray flake of mascara or a misplaced applicator into the eye is a common and intensely uncomfortable experience. The sudden irritation requires immediate, correct action to protect the delicate surface of the eye. A foreign body, even a small particle of cosmetic, can scratch the cornea or introduce bacteria, making proper removal and follow-up care a priority. This guide provides a safe, step-by-step process for removing the particle and recognizing when professional medical attention is needed.
Immediate Steps for Safe Removal
The most important action is to resist the instinct to rub the eye, as this can embed the particle or cause a corneal abrasion. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing new bacteria into the sensitive eye environment. Once your hands are clean, you can start the process of gently flushing the foreign material out.
The most effective method is to use a gentle, continuous stream of clean, lukewarm tap water or a sterile saline solution. Tilt your head over a sink, holding the affected eye beneath a gently running faucet or the nozzle of a shower head set to low pressure. You can also use an eyewash cup or a small, clean drinking glass placed over the orbital bone, instructing you to open and close your eye repeatedly while submerged.
While flushing, attempt to blink rapidly, which helps the eye’s natural lubrication move the particle toward the inner corner or under the eyelid. You can also gently pull the upper eyelid out and over the lower lid, a technique that uses the lower lashes to sweep the particle away. Continue flushing for at least 10 to 15 minutes if the sensation of the foreign body persists, as this helps dilute any chemical irritants from the mascara pigments. Avoid using any tools like cotton swabs or tweezers near the surface of the eye, as these can easily cause trauma.
Indicators That Require Professional Care
While most small mascara flakes can be successfully flushed out at home, certain symptoms signal a potential injury that requires immediate professional evaluation by an ophthalmologist or emergency room physician. Persistent, throbbing pain that does not subside after a thorough flushing suggests the possibility of a deep scratch on the cornea or a fragment lodged beneath the eyelid. Any noticeable change in vision, such as persistent blurred vision or double vision, is a serious sign that requires urgent attention.
A heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, especially when accompanied by intense redness in the white of the eye, is an indicator of irritation or inflammation. You should also seek care if you observe any discharge from the eye. Also seek care if the feeling of having something in the eye does not resolve within a few hours of home treatment. These signs could indicate a corneal abrasion or the beginning of an infection, both of which necessitate prescription treatment to prevent long-term complications. If you suspect the mascara applicator or wand has physically poked the eye, immediate medical assessment is the safest course of action.
Reducing Future Incidents
Preventing mascara from getting into the eye involves practicing careful application. Always apply mascara in a well-lit, stationary location, avoiding application while walking or riding in a moving vehicle where sudden bumps can cause the wand to poke the eye. Applying a thin coat and allowing it to dry slightly before adding a second layer minimizes the chances of the formula flaking off onto the eye surface.
Maintaining product hygiene is also important. Mascara should be replaced every three months because the wand repeatedly introduces bacteria into the tube, increasing the risk of eye infection. Ensuring your mascara is not expired is also important, as older formulas can dry out, become brittle, and flake more easily. Utilizing a translucent setting powder lightly dusted beneath the lower lash line can help absorb excess skin oil, preventing the mascara from smudging or transferring into the eye.