Getting an eyelash stuck in your eye is a common, instantly recognizable discomfort that can cause alarm. While the sensation of a foreign object in the eye is highly irritating, the situation is generally not severe and is easily resolved at home with careful attention. It is important to address the issue promptly and gently to prevent minor complications, such as scratching the eye’s delicate surface. By understanding the risk of friction and knowing the proper removal techniques, you can quickly find relief and protect your vision.
Why Eyelashes Cause Irritation
The intense, gritty feeling caused by a loose eyelash is due to the eye’s highly sensitive anatomy. The cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, is packed with sensory nerve endings. When an eyelash lands on the eye, the nerve endings immediately register the presence of the foreign object, triggering a strong tearing and blinking reflex.
The primary concern is the potential for a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. Every time you blink, the eyelash is dragged across the cornea or the conjunctiva. This friction can cause a superficial scratch, leading to persistent pain, light sensitivity, and further tearing until the lash is removed and the abrasion heals. The natural reflex to rub the eye only increases this risk and should be avoided.
Step-by-Step Safe Removal
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria to the irritated eye. Look into a mirror to locate the eyelash, making sure to avoid rubbing, which can push the lash further into the eye or scratch the cornea. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before attempting any other steps.
Blink several times to encourage tears to wash the eyelash toward the corner of your eye. If blinking does not work, try flushing the eye by pouring a gentle stream of clean, lukewarm water or saline solution over the open eye. You can also try lowering your open eye into a clean bowl of water.
If the lash remains visible on the white part of your eye, a clean, damp cotton swab can be used to gently lift the hair away. For a lash trapped under the upper lid, gently pull the upper eyelid forward and down over the lower lashes. The lower lashes may help to brush the foreign object off the underside of the upper lid as you release it.
Signs That Require Professional Care
You should seek care if the foreign body sensation or irritation persists for more than a few hours after successfully removing the eyelash. A continued feeling of grittiness may mean a corneal abrasion has occurred.
Other warning signs include:
- Pain that worsens.
- Significant sensitivity to light.
- Any noticeable change in vision, such as blurriness.
- The presence of a discharge, especially yellow or green pus.
- Increasing redness that does not improve within a day.
If you are unable to remove the eyelash after multiple gentle attempts, an eye doctor can safely extract it using specialized tools.