The irritating feeling of an eyelash in the eye is a common experience that disrupts vision and comfort. Eyelashes protect the eye from dust and debris, but when one falls out and becomes trapped, it causes significant discomfort. Most errant eyelashes can be safely removed at home without causing harm to the delicate eye surface, requiring only a few simple, careful steps.
Symptoms and Initial Assessment
The presence of an eyelash typically causes immediate symptoms because the cornea is highly sensitive to foreign objects. You will likely feel a persistent scratchiness, grittiness, or stinging sensation localized to the eye or under the eyelid. This irritation often triggers excessive tears, which is the eye’s natural attempt to flush the object out. The eye may also appear red, as the conjunctiva becomes inflamed from the friction.
Before attempting removal, locate the eyelash and ensure proper hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria or irritants. Use a mirror in a well-lit area, gently pulling down the lower eyelid or lifting the upper eyelid to inspect the eye surface and inner lining of the lids. Identifying the eyelash’s position guides the safest removal strategy.
Step-by-Step Safe Removal Techniques
The least invasive approach is often the most effective, as the eye is designed to self-clean minor debris. Begin by blinking several times in quick succession to stimulate natural tears that may carry the eyelash out completely. If the eyelash is stuck beneath the upper eyelid, gently pull the upper lid forward and over the lower lid, then look up, down, and side-to-side; this action can sweep the eyelash away with the lower lashes.
If blinking alone is insufficient, flush the eye with a sterile solution or clean water. Sterile saline solution or artificial tears are preferable, but clean, lukewarm tap water can be used. Tilt your head over a sink, positioning the affected eye lower than the other, and gently pour the fluid from a clean cup over the inner corner of the eye, allowing it to run across the surface. Alternatively, immerse your open eye in a small container filled with the fluid and blink repeatedly.
If the eyelash is visible on the white of the eye or the inner surface of the eyelid, it can be carefully lifted away using a damp tool. Moisten the tip of a clean cotton swab or the corner of a clean tissue with saline or water. Gently touch the eyelash with the damp surface, avoiding direct contact with the cornea. The eyelash should adhere to the moisture on the tool, allowing you to lift it away without causing a scratch.
Safety Warnings and When to Stop
Resist the instinct to rub the eye, as this can push the eyelash deeper into the conjunctiva or cause a painful corneal abrasion. Never use sharp or hard objects like tweezers, fingernails, or dry materials directly on the eyeball to attempt removal. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before any procedure, as the eyelash may be stuck to the lens or you risk trapping debris between the lens and the eye.
Stop home removal attempts and seek professional medical attention if the eyelash cannot be dislodged after a few gentle attempts. Immediate care is necessary if you experience persistent or worsening pain, notice any change in vision such as blurriness, or see redness that increases after removal. These symptoms could indicate a corneal scratch or an infection requiring assessment by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If the sensation of a foreign object remains for more than 24 hours after successful removal, it may signal a minor abrasion that should also be checked by a professional.