The sensation of a foreign object in the eye, like a stray eyelash, is a common and irritating experience. This tiny hair causes discomfort, prompting an immediate reflex to rub the eye, which must be resisted to prevent injury. A systematic, calm approach is the safest way to address this minor event. The priority is always to protect the delicate surface of the cornea and the conjunctiva from trauma during the removal process.
Initial Steps for Eye Safety
Avoid rubbing the affected eye, as this action can scratch the cornea or embed the eyelash deeper into the tissue. Before attempting removal, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to minimize the introduction of bacteria. Once your hands are clean, try to encourage natural tearing by blinking repeatedly, which may allow the eye’s lubrication to flush the eyelash out on its own.
Stand in front of a well-lit mirror to locate the eyelash. Gently pull the lower lid down while looking up, and then hold the upper lid while looking down. If the eyelash is visible and floating on the tear film, this assessment guides the subsequent removal method. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately, as the eyelash may be stuck to the lens or the lens may be trapping the hair against the eye’s surface.
Techniques for Removing the Eyelash
If natural tears and blinking do not dislodge the hair, the preferred intervention is the flushing method using a sterile solution. Gently irrigate the eye with a clean eyewash, sterile saline solution, or lukewarm tap water from a clean cup or gentle stream while holding the eye open. Tilt your head over a sink, ensuring the water flows away from the unaffected eye.
For an eyelash resting on the lower lid or the white of the eye (conjunctiva), use a fine, moistened instrument for collection. Moisten the tip of a cotton swab or the corner of a clean tissue with water or saline. Gently touch the eyelash with the damp tip, allowing the moisture to adhere to the hair and lift it away. Use only a moistened material, as dry cotton or tissue can be abrasive to the eye.
If the eyelash is lodged beneath the upper eyelid, a different maneuver is required. Pull the upper eyelid forward and gently draw it down over the lower lashes. This action may allow the lower lashes to brush the underside of the upper lid, dislodging the hair. Alternatively, you can gently fold the upper eyelid back over a cotton swab to visibly inspect the tarsal conjunctiva for the hair.
Take care never to touch the clear dome of the cornea with any instrument, including the cotton swab, as this is highly sensitive and susceptible to scratching. Avoid using tweezers or sharp objects near the eye, as these pose a significant risk of injury. If the eyelash is not easily accessible with gentle attempts, stop and seek professional help.
When Home Removal Isn’t Enough
If you successfully remove the eyelash but still feel a persistent scratchy sensation, this may indicate a corneal abrasion, a minor scratch on the eye’s surface. This “foreign body sensation” can last for up to 24 hours even after the hair is gone, but it should not worsen. Continued or increasing pain following the removal attempt indicates that medical attention is necessary.
Seek professional medical care immediately if you observe signs of serious injury or infection. These symptoms suggest a more serious injury or the possibility of an embedded fragment that home methods cannot address. If the eyelash was propelled into the eye at high speed or if you cannot remove the object with simple flushing, consult an eye specialist.
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Care
- Visible damage, such as a scratch on the cornea or a cloudy spot.
- Deep, non-resolving redness in the white of the eye.
- Any change in vision, including blurriness or double vision.
- Signs of developing infection, such as increasing swelling, persistent discharge, or the appearance of pus.