A piece of glitter in the eye requires immediate attention, as this tiny particle acts as a foreign body that can cause irritation or injury. Glitter is typically composed of small plastic or metallic pieces, meaning it is not biodegradable and will not dissolve in the eye’s natural tear film. The eye produces tears, which constantly attempt to wash away irritants from the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva. Despite this natural flushing, the size and composition of glitter make removal challenging and increase the risk of surface damage.
Why Glitter Poses a Risk to the Eye
Glitter particles are fundamentally different from softer, organic debris like dust or pollen, posing a greater threat due to their physical structure. Most glitter, especially the craft variety, is made from materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or aluminum, and often features sharp, irregular edges. These abrasive characteristics mean that every time the eye blinks, the glitter particle can scratch the delicate, clear outer layer of the eye, known as the cornea.
Cosmetic-grade glitter is generally manufactured to be smoother and smaller, often around 100 to 150 microns in size, to minimize this risk. However, even cosmetic products carry risk, as any foreign particle can become lodged against the surface of the eye. If the glitter settles beneath the upper eyelid, it can become trapped, repeatedly scraping across the cornea with each blink.
Immediate Symptoms and Signs of Irritation
The eye reacts immediately to the presence of a foreign body like glitter, triggering protective reflexes. One of the first signs is a distinct foreign body sensation, the persistent feeling that something is present on the eye, often described as gritty or scratchy. The eye will quickly begin to produce excessive tears (lacrimation) in an attempt to wash the particle away.
This irritation is typically accompanied by redness (conjunctival injection), as blood vessels on the surface of the eye dilate in response to the trauma. Sensitivity to light (photophobia) can develop, making bright environments painful. An involuntary increase in the rate of blinking (blepharospasm) is also common as the body tries to clear the particle through mechanical action.
Safe Removal and First Aid Steps
Resist the urge to rub the eye, as this action can embed the particle or cause a corneal scratch. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately, as glitter can become trapped underneath the lens, intensifying the damage.
The primary method for removal is flushing the eye with a gentle, continuous flow of clean water or sterile saline solution. Tilt the head over a sink, hold the affected eyelid open, and pour water from a clean glass or cup from the inner corner of the eye outward. Alternatively, you can step into a shower and aim a gentle stream of lukewarm water at the forehead, allowing it to run over the open eye.
After extensive flushing, examine the eye in a well-lit area using a mirror. Look up while pulling the lower lid down, and look down while gently lifting the upper lid. If a glitter particle is visible and resting only on the white of the eye (sclera) or the inner surface of the lower lid, you can attempt careful removal. Lightly touch the particle with the corner of a clean, damp tissue or a moist cotton swab. If the glitter is embedded in the cornea or remains after flushing, no further attempts at home removal should be made.
Potential Complications Requiring Medical Attention
While many glitter incidents resolve with home flushing, complications can arise if the particle is sharp or was not fully removed. The most common injury is a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the surface of the clear tissue covering the iris and pupil. An abrasion creates a break in the eye’s natural barrier, making it vulnerable to secondary infection if bacteria are introduced.
If an abrasion becomes infected, it can progress to a corneal ulcer, an open sore on the cornea that can lead to scarring and vision impairment. Symptoms that indicate a need for professional medical help include persistent or increasing pain after the glitter has been removed. Other warning signs are blurred or decreased vision, a feeling that the object is still present despite flushing, or any worsening of redness, pain, or discharge more than 24 hours after the initial injury. An eye care specialist can safely remove any retained fragments and provide treatment, often with antibiotic drops, to prevent infection and promote healing.