An eyelash in the eye causes an irritating, scratchy, or gritty feeling. The goal is to safely and swiftly remove the foreign object to prevent discomfort or potential damage to the eye’s delicate surface. Before attempting removal, resist the urge to rub the eye, as this can press the lash against the cornea and cause a painful scratch known as a corneal abrasion. Always begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria into the eye area.
Initial Gentle Removal Techniques
The initial response should be to encourage natural tearing and blinking, as tears are the eye’s built-in flushing system. Repeated blinking helps move the eyelash toward the corner of the eye, making it easier to remove. Looking in different directions while blinking may also help shift the lash’s position off the sensitive central cornea.
If natural blinking is unsuccessful, use a clean fluid to flush the eye. Sterile saline solution or artificial tears are the preferred option for rinsing the eye because they mimic the natural composition of tears. If these are unavailable, clean, lukewarm water can be used, but contact lens wearers should be cautious with tap water due to the risk of microorganisms. Tilt the head so the affected eye is lower, then pour a gentle stream of fluid into the inner corner of the eye. This directs the flow across the eye’s surface, washing the eyelash out the outer corner.
Methods for Manual Eyelash Removal
If gentle flushing fails, a more direct approach is needed for manual removal. If the eyelash is visible on the white part of the eye or along the lower eyelid, you can attempt to lift it using a clean, wet cotton swab or the dampened corner of a clean, lint-free tissue. Dampen the tip of the cotton swab or tissue with clean water or saline. Carefully touch the lash with the damp tip and gently brush it toward the inner corner of the eye to remove it.
When the lash is felt under the upper eyelid, use the lower lashes to sweep the upper lid’s inner surface. Gently grasp the upper eyelid and pull it forward and down over the lower eyelid. Hold it there briefly and look up, then release the upper lid. This allows the lower lashes to brush the underside of the upper lid. Maintain sanitation throughout this process and never use sharp tools like tweezers near the actual eyeball.
Safety Limits and When to Seek Professional Care
Stop self-treatment immediately if you feel increased pain or if removal attempts cause more irritation. Persistent symptoms after the eyelash is removed, such as a lingering feeling that something is still stuck, may indicate a corneal abrasion. If the eyelash remains embedded or cannot be located after several gentle attempts, seek professional attention.
Immediate medical care is necessary if signs of a serious complication or infection appear. These symptoms include persistent or worsening redness, blurred vision that does not clear, or discharge like yellow or green pus. Significant pain, swelling, or sensitivity to light are also indicators that require consulting an eye care professional to prevent long-term damage.