Glitter, with its tiny, often sharp particles, can be particularly irritating when it enters the eye. While generally not a cause for panic, it can cause immediate discomfort and requires careful attention. Understanding the proper steps for handling such an incident can help minimize irritation and potential complications.
Immediate Effects and Concerns
When glitter enters the eye, you will likely experience immediate sensations such as a gritty feeling, irritation, burning, and excessive tearing as your eye attempts to naturally flush out the particle. Redness is also a common symptom, appearing as blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids, become dilated due to irritation.
A primary concern with glitter is the potential for a corneal abrasion. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of your eye. Glitter, especially craft glitter, is often made from materials like plastic or aluminum and can have sharp, abrasive edges that may scratch this delicate surface. A corneal abrasion can cause pain, increased light sensitivity, and the persistent sensation that something is still in your eye, even after removal.
How to Safely Remove Glitter
If glitter enters your eye, first avoid rubbing it, as this can cause further irritation or embed the glitter deeper. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria into your eye.
Next, flush the eye with clean water or a sterile saline solution. You can use an eyedropper to gently stream the liquid into your eye, cup clean water in your hand and immerse your eye, or stand under a gentle shower stream. Repeated blinking can also help dislodge small particles, using your natural tears to assist in the flushing process.
After flushing, carefully inspect your eye in a mirror, pulling down your lower eyelid and lifting your upper eyelid to look for the glitter. If you see it, gently pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid; the lashes of the lower lid may help brush away the object. Always use gentle techniques and never use sharp objects or cotton swabs directly on the eye’s surface, as this can cause more harm.
When to Seek Professional Help
While self-removal is often effective for minor irritations, professional medical attention is sometimes needed. Consult an eye doctor if you are unable to remove the glitter after several flushing attempts, or if you experience persistent pain, redness, or discomfort even after the glitter appears gone. These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue, such as a corneal abrasion requiring professional evaluation.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, or if your eye becomes increasingly sensitive to light. Other concerning signs include any discharge from the eye, the feeling that something is still present after extensive flushing, or the appearance of pus, which can indicate infection. An eye doctor has specialized equipment to thoroughly examine your eye and ensure no foreign material remains.
Possible Complications and Recovery
If glitter is not removed properly or if a significant abrasion occurs, complications can arise. A common complication is an eye infection, such as bacterial keratitis, which can develop if bacteria enter the scratched corneal surface. Other issues include persistent irritation or inflammation of the eye.
Minor corneal abrasions usually heal quickly, within 24 to 48 hours, as the cells on the eye’s surface reproduce rapidly. However, if an infection or a larger abrasion occurs, recovery may take longer and require specific medical treatments, such as antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent further damage and scarring. During recovery, avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses to allow the eye to heal without additional irritation or infection risk.