When a fly enters your eye, it can be a startling and uncomfortable experience. While initially alarming, this common occurrence is often not serious, as your eye possesses natural defense mechanisms to handle such intrusions. Understanding these natural responses and knowing the appropriate steps to take can help manage the situation effectively and minimize irritation.
Your Eye’s Immediate Response
The moment a fly enters your eye, your body initiates an involuntary defense sequence. You will likely feel an immediate sharp pain, burning, or irritation due to the highly sensitive nature of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. This discomfort triggers an automatic blinking reflex, which attempts to dislodge the object from the eye’s surface.
Simultaneously, your lacrimal glands increase tear production. These tears serve as a natural flushing mechanism, washing away the foreign body. The increased fluid helps lubricate the eye and can carry the fly towards the inner corner of the eye or out from under the eyelids, where it can be more easily removed. This combination of blinking and tearing is the eye’s primary method of self-cleaning and protection.
How to Safely Remove It
If a fly remains in your eye after the initial blinking and tearing, several methods can be used for removal. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing infection. Avoid the natural inclination to rub your eye, as this can scratch the delicate cornea or push the object further into the eye, potentially causing more damage.
Once your hands are clean, try blinking repeatedly to encourage further tear production and allow the eye’s natural flushing action to continue. If the object is visible on the white part of your eye or under the lower eyelid, you can gently pull down the lower eyelid and try to touch the object with a clean, damp cotton swab or the corner of a clean tissue.
Alternatively, if the fly is suspected to be under the upper eyelid, gently pull the upper eyelid over the lower one; the lower lashes might help brush the object off as the upper lid slides back into place. Flushing the eye with clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline solution is another effective method. Tilt your head to the side with the affected eye facing down and pour a steady, gentle stream of water into the eye, allowing it to run across the surface.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most instances of a fly in the eye resolve with self-care, certain symptoms or situations warrant professional medical attention. Seek immediate care if you experience persistent or severe pain, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light after the object has been removed or if it feels like something is still in your eye. These symptoms could indicate a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the cornea, or other underlying damage.
Other concerning signs include redness that does not subside, visible damage, or any discharge like pus or blood. If the foreign body was a piece of metal, glass, or if the eye was hit at high speed, consult a doctor, as these situations carry a higher risk of serious injury or infection. Prompt medical evaluation can prevent complications, such as infection or long-term vision problems.